13-Year-Old Boy Catches 177-Lb. Fish That May Set New World Records

A 13-year-old boy from New Hampshire has made headlines after catching a whopping 177-lb. halibut that could potentially set new world fishing records. Jackson Denio, from Hampton, reeled in the massive Atlantic halibut while on a fishing trip 100 miles off the New England Coast on September 1. Standing next to the fish, which outweighed him by more than 50 lbs, Jackson may have broken multiple records with this extraordinary catch. The teenager and his family are now looking to verify this achievement with the International Game Fish Association.

Accompanied by about 30 people, Jackson was on an overnight fishing excursion with Al Gauron Deep Sea Fishing and Whale Watching when he made the impressive catch. Despite hoping to reel in a shark that day, the crew advised him to cast his line to the bottom of the ocean where he swiftly felt a pull. Recounting the exhilarating moment, Jackson, who weighs around 120 pounds, admitted, “I think I screamed, honestly… I don’t know exactly what happened, but I was very excited.” After a challenging 30-minute struggle, he successfully brought the massive halibut on board the boat.

Jim Walsh, the captain of the vessel, praised Jackson’s remarkable composure and determination throughout the intense battle with the fish. Walsh highlighted how Jackson never let go of the rod, solely working on reeling in the catch until it tired out. Once they saw the size of the halibut surfacing, everyone on board was filled with excitement and awe. Despite the magnitude of the fish, Jackson’s persistence paid off in the end.

Looking to secure his place in fishing history, Jackson and his family aim to submit details of the catch to the International Game Fish Association. They hope to claim world records not only in the junior record for Atlantic halibut category but also in the line class for all fish. While PEOPLE reached out to the association for comment, no immediate response was received. Reflecting on the monumental catch, Jackson expressed his renewed enthusiasm for fishing, stating, “It makes me want to keep fishing even more and try and beat the record if I can.”

This remarkable feat by a young angler has captured the attention and admiration of many, showcasing Jackson’s determination, skill, and passion for fishing. His story serves as an inspiration for fellow fishing enthusiasts, encouraging them to pursue their own goals and dreams in the sport. The potential world record set by Jackson Denio is a testament to the endless possibilities that await those who dare to chase their ambitions and face challenges head-on. As he continues his fishing journey, let’s cheer on Jackson in his pursuit of breaking records and making waves in the world of fishing.