13-Year-Old Angler Fights 63-Pound 'Beast,' Possibly Smashing 20-Year-Old World Record

A Northern California teenager has landed a colossal 63-pound white sea bass in an epic struggle that may have shattered a world record that has stood for over two decades.

Julian Her, a 13-year-old from Rio Oso who weighs just slightly more than his catch, was fishing for halibut in Tomales Bay with his family when his rod suddenly bent double under the force of a monstrous, unseen creature.

"I thought it was a shark when I first saw it," Julian said, describing the moment the fish surfaced after a grueling fight.

The battle was so intense that his family initially thought he was exaggerating. “We were just kind of like, ‘Knock it off. C’mon, just reel it in,’” recalled his father, Rinna Her. “After a while, I thought, well maybe this is a bigger fish and I should probably start recording.”

His instinct was right. The video, now a cherished family record, shows Julian’s determined struggle against the powerful fish. “My arms were hurting,” Julian recounted. “It was like reeling in a beast.” With his uncle providing crucial support by steadying the rod, but not touching the reel, adhering to strict fishing rules Julian persevered.

After an adrenaline-fueled fight, they finally hauled the giant white sea bass into the boat. It was a moment of pure astonishment. The fish was so large it nearly dwarfed the young angler.

The Her family has now submitted a formal application to the International Game Fish Association (IGFA) to certify the catch as the new All-Tackle Juvenile World Record. The current record, a 59-pound white sea bass, has remained unbroken since 2002.

What Is a White Sea Bass?

The white sea bass (Atractoscion nobilis) is a highly prized game fish found along the Pacific coast from Alaska to Mexico. Known for their powerful runs and stubborn fights, they are a premier target for sport fishermen.

These silvery giants are not true bass but are the largest fish in the croaker family; the same family as the California kingfish and the Atlantic croaker. They are a key species in California's marine ecosystem and a success story for conservation efforts.

Size and Growth

They can grow over 5 feet long and weigh more than 90 pounds. Julian's 63-pound catch is a remarkable specimen for any angler, let alone a junior.

Conservation sea bass populations faced significant decline due to overfishing and habitat loss. Thanks to strict regulations and successful hatchery programs run by organizations like the Hubbs-SeaWorld Research Institute, their numbers have rebounded, making such trophy catches possible again. This makes Julian's catch not just a personal victory, but a symbol of successful wildlife management.

“We had a blast. We made core memories for life,” said Rinna Her, emphasizing that the experience was the real prize. “He already loved fishing, but he's going to be a fisherman for life now.”

While the family awaits the IGFA's final verdict, Julian’s story is already a legendary tale of patience, strength, and an unforgettable day on the water.