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World Record King mackerel
Author: Captain Craig Lahr | Posted: 02/16/2009World Record KingfishJanuary 26, 2009
Fishing guide Craig Lahr of Largo has tried for the past five years to set a new world fly tackle record for kingfish. This is no small feat, considering these open-ocean predators have dozens of sharp teeth that cut through even the thickest monofilament fishing line.
But this fall, Lahr, who normally fishes clearwater inshore for trout, redfish and snook, headed about a mile off Clearwater Beach on a slick, calm day with a livewell full of scaled sardines. Live bait is strictly prohibited when fly fishing, but Lahr knew that if he could work the kings into a feeding frenzy, he might just be able to fool one into taking a fly.
So Lahr chummed for about 10 minutes, until there were kingfish skyrocketing on bait all around his boat. The angler grabbed his nine-weight fly rod, tossed out a pilchard pattern, and hooked a 25 pounder.
He fought the fish for about 20 minutes. The line was so light, the fish didn't realize it had been hooked. As the king lingered along side the boat, Lahr reached down and grabbed it by the tail.
Lahr submitted photos of his catch, documentation from the weighmaster, as well as his leader and line to the Dania Beach-based International Game Fish Association, which took about two months to approve his catch. He is now the proud holder of a 6-pound tippet world record.
The IGFA maintains hundreds of records. Many line class records are attainable
About The Author: Captain Craig Lahr
Company: skinnywatercharters
Area Reporting: westcenteral beachs clearwater st joseph soud
Bio: As with most diehard fisherman I started at an early age. Growing up on the Indian Rocks Pier I learned quickly that the "Oldtimers" were vast with knowledge. They took me under their wings and shared that much needed knowledge. In 1985 Hurricane Elena took away my favorite fishing pier and with it the informal educational sessions I so enjoyed. I moved to later work as a mate on a commercial fishing vessel. In my spare time I fished off piers and the flats.
Then I met an excellent local fisherman by the name of Kenny Krohl who introduced me to "Light Tackle Sport Fishing". I learned the finer points of fly fishing and light tackle. Kenny holds several IGFA World Records on a fly rod and light gear. I have made the backwater estuaries my second home.
Come experience the joys and excitement of "Skinny Water" fishing at it's best!
727-204-9626
Click Here For Past Fishing Reports and Articles by Captain Craig Lahr