GEORGIA, USA — Two Georgia residents are the Peach State's newest saltwater fish record holders, according to the Department of Natural Resources.
Jason Rich, of McRae-Helena, reeled in a hefty 23-pound, 15.04-ounce Almaco Jack on May 2 while fishing offshore between South Ledge and Navy Tower R3, according to the DNR.
"Rich, a licensed saltwater guide, was fishing aboard his boat 'Slay Ride' and used a spinning rod with a vertical jig to entice the record-breaking Almaco Jack," the Georgia DNR wrote on its social media page.
The DNR said Hayden Mundy of Midway, Georgia, previously set the record of 19 pounds, 10.53 ounces just three months ago.
Additionally, Molly Strickland of Lumber City also reeled in a record-setting catch on May 4 while fishing near South Ledge. Strickland hooked a massive 30-pound, 14.24-ounce Blackfin Tuna, according to the DNR.
Check out their catches below!
Strickland's impressive fish ties the existing state record for Blackfin Tun, which the Georgia DNR said was set in 1999 by Penny Morgan-Turner of St. Simons Island. That fish weighed in at 30 pounds, 8 ounces.
"Strickland was fishing with a daisy chain rigged with ballyhoo aboard the vessel 'Bare Down,' captained by Blake Barry," the DNR added.