Massive snapper caught by Texas spear fisherman could shatter world record

A freediving fisherman speared a massive cubera snapper off the Texas Gulf coast during a recent fishing trip.

The spear fisherman, Braden Sherron, caught the 137-pound cubera snapper on June 3, Port Aransas Fisherman’s Wharf wrote in a June 10 social media post.

Photos shared by the wharf show Sherron hoisting the massive orange and gray fish and him helping check its weight back at the dock.

Sherron’s catch tipped the marina’s scale at 137 pounds. The wharf predicted that, pending official approval, Sherron’s catch could break existing state and world records.

“We are so thankful he chose Port Aransas Fisherman’s Wharf to weigh and take pictures of this monster of a Cubera Snapper!” the post said.

However, the state record for largest cubera snapper is 151 pounds, Texas Parks and Wildlife Records show. It was reeled in with a handline in 1984.

Sherron’s fish outweighs the world record of 124 pounds recognized by the International Game Fish Association — but his method, spearfishing, disqualifies him.

“Only fish caught in accordance with IGFA International Angling Rules, and within the intent of these rules, will be considered for world records,” according to regulations on the IGFA website. The IGFA only recognizes rod and reel catches as legitimate.

He could likely set a world record with the International Underwater Spearfishing Association, as his 137-pound snapper is significantly heavier than that organization’s current 122-pound record, set in 2006.

Cubera snappers are one of the largest species of snapper in the world, making them “highly prized by game fishermen and commercial fisheries throughout the Caribbean and South Atlantic,” according to the University of Florida.

Sherron also has a YouTube channel where he documents his hunts, both on sea and land.

This story was originally published June 12, 2022 at 3:19 PM.