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Unprecedented Catch: World Record Yellowfin Tuna Spearfished in the Dominican Republic

World Record Yellowfin Tuna

On December 23rd, 2018 a remarkable event took place in the waters of the Dominican Republic. Luis Viyella, along with his crew aboard the Lady Shell, achieved a monumental feat in the world of spearfishing by capturing the largest Yellowfin Tuna ever recorded. This impressive fish weighed in at an astounding 480 pounds, measuring 109 inches in length and 62 inches in width.

Spearfishing Records

This catch is not just a local achievement but a global one. The previous world record for a Yellowfin Tuna caught by spearfishing was 353 pounds, set by Julian Allen-Ellis in Mexico in 2007. Viyella’s catch, shattered the record, marking a significant milestone in the history of spearfishing. (Note: The International Underwater Spearfishing Association has not verified the record)

world record yellowfin tuna
Luis Viyella stands next to his record-breaking Yellowfin Tuna, a testament to both the rich spearfishing environment off the Dominican Republic and the remarkable chance of his first offshore spearfishing trip. Surrounded by the numerous FADs that dot these waters, this incredible catch highlights the potential of the area for spearfishing enthusiasts.

Yellowfin Tuna Spearfishing

The experience, as described by Luis Viyella, was unforgettable. Spearfishing in blue waters for the first time, Viyella never expected to encounter, let alone capture, a world record Yellowfin Tuna. It was a combination of skill, knowledge, and, as Luis puts it, a bit of luck.

Dominican Republic Spearfishing

This record-setting catch underscores the Dominican Republic’s place on the map for big game spearfishing. The event took place off the coast of La Romana, a location now etched in the history of spearfishing as the site of this unprecedented catch.

Big Game Spearfishing

The achievement of Luis Viyella and his crew reflects the thrill and challenge of big game spearfishing. The team’s success aboard the Viking 68 sport fisherman, Lady Shell, is a testament to their dedication and the evolving nature of spearfishing as a sport.

Below is a list of the current IGFA angling records for Yellowfin Tuna. The list of spearfishing records can be found at the International Underwater Spearfishing Association.

Yellowfin Tuna Fishing Records

Below is a list of line class records according to the International Gamefish Association(IGFA)

Men’s Division

  • 01 kg (2 lb): 8.16 kg (18 lb 0 oz), Guanamari, Costa Rica, 28-Jan-2001, Rob Ruwitch
  • 02 kg (4 lb): 29.14 kg (64 lb 4 oz), Piñas Bay, Panama, 09-Jun-2011, John E. Richardson
  • 3 kg (6 lb): 28.91 kg (63 lb 12 oz), Moriches, New York, USA, 26-Aug-1978, Tred Barta
  • 4 kg (8 lb): 39.5 kg (87 lb 1 oz), Bermagui, N.S.W., Australia, 17-Jun-1992, Ken Stockton
  • 6 kg (12 lb): 74 kg (163 lb 2 oz), Montague Island, Australia, 15-May-1983, Phillip Volkens
  • 8 kg (16 lb): 86.5 kg (190 lb 11 oz), Bermagui, N.S.W., Australia, 13-Apr-1987, Jim Morris
  • 10 kg (20 lb): 106.75 kg (235 lb 5 oz), Cape Point, South Africa, 16-May-2012, Frank Scholtz
  • 15 kg (30 lb): 153.5 kg (338 lb 6 oz), Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, 22-Oct-1999, Franco Barisio
  • 24 kg (50 lb): 175 kg (385 lb 12 oz), Lome, Togo, 20-Apr-2003, Philippe Marn
  • 37 kg (80 lb): 176.35 kg (388 lb 12 oz), Isla San Benedicto, Revillagigedo Islands, Mexico, 01-Apr-1977, Curt Wiesenhutter
  • 60 kg (130 lb): 193.68 kg (427 lb 0 oz), Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, 18-Sep-2012, Guy Yocom

Women’s Division

  • 01 kg (2 lb): 6.35 kg (14 lb 0 oz), Piñas Bay, Panama, 23-Mar-1992, Deborah Dunaway
  • 02 kg (4 lb): 9.07 kg (20 lb 0 oz), Piñas Bay, Panama, 15-Mar-1995, Ms. Elizabeth Hogan
  • 03 kg (6 lb): 18 kg (39 lb 11 oz), Challenger Bank, Bermuda, 05-Jul-1980, Janet Lines
  • W4 kg (8 lb): 28.43 kg (62 lb 11 oz), Challenger Bank, Bermuda, 28-Aug-1987, Ms. Dylis Pantry
  • 06 kg (12 lb): 53 kg (116 lb 13 oz), Sydney, N.S.W., Australia, 08-Oct-1978, Ms. Dulcie Chee
  • 08 kg (16 lb): 60.33 kg (133 lb 0 oz), Kona, Hawaii, USA, 04-May-2007, Janet Bekins Martic
  • 10 kg (20 lb): 92.3 kg (203 lb 8 oz), Kona, Hawaii, USA, 16-Jul-1992, Ms. Pamela Basco
  • 15 kg (30 lb): 111.13 kg (245 lb 0 oz), Kaaiwi Point, Kona, Hawaii, USA, 28-Jul-1978, Ms. Ann Blumenfeld
  • 24 kg (50 lb): 116.12 kg (256 lb 0 oz), Kailua, Kona, Hawaii, USA, 06-Aug-1979, Ms. Evangeline Komo
  • 37 kg (80 lb): 122.47 kg (270 lb 0 oz), Isla Roca Partida, Revillagigedo Islands, Mexico, 16-Mar-1980, Ms. Caroline Layne
  • 60 kg (130 lb): 142.42 kg (314 lb 0 oz), Ada Foah, Ghana, 16-May-2003, Ms. Candace Meyer

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