NJ fish may set new world record, depending on how its classified
The fish has already been confirmed as a new state record in NJ
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}This fish may not be done earning records yet.
A man in New Jersey recently reeled in a large tilefish that set a new state record. Based on naming conventions for the fish, however, it may also set a new world record.
George Hanakis, from Perth Amboy, caught a 23 pound, 8 ounce Gray Tilefish on September 1. The fish measured 34 inches long and had a girth of 25 inches.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}The New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife has officially recognized the fish as a new state record. According to a post on the division’s Facebook page, Hanakis’ fish surpassed the previous state record by 4 ounces.
POSSIBLE WORLD RECORD CATFISH CAUGHT IN CONNECTICUT
The NJ DFW wrote, "The Division of Fish and Wildlife has officially certified, and is pleased to announce, the catch of a new state record saltwater fish. George Hanakis of Perth Amboy reeled in the new state record Gray Tilefish on September 1, 2021. The fish weighed in at 23 pounds, 8 ounces, eclipsing the previous state record by 4 ounces and measured 34" in length with a girth of 25". George was bottom fishing from the boat, Jamaica, captained by Howard Bogan, Jr. They were located in Wilmington Canyon when he caught the tilefish with a Shimano Terez rod, a Gamakatsu lure and a Daiwa reel with 100-pound test braided line."
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While the fish has been confirmed as an NJ state record, it may also qualify as a new world record.
While the fish is referred to as a Gray Tilefish in NJ, other states recognize the same fish as a Blueline Tilefish. The International Game Fish Association also recognizes the fish as a Blueline, Outdoor Life reports.
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The current world record Tilefish, according to the International Game Gish Association, weighed 23 pounds, four ounces. Depending on how Hanakis’ fish is identified, it could surpass that record.