The world record for the largest tuna ever caught remains an enduring testament to the raw power of the ocean’s apex predator, the Atlantic bluefin tuna. For nearly 46 years, a colossal catch made off the coast of Nova Scotia, Canada, has held the prestigious International Game Fish Association (IGFA) All-Tackle World Record, cementing its place in angling history.
The Legendary Catch: Ken Fraser’s 1,496-Pound Behemoth
The record-holder is an Atlantic bluefin tuna weighing a staggering 1,496 pounds (678.58 kg).
Angler: Ken Fraser
Date of Catch: October 26, 1979
Location: Aulds Cove, Nova Scotia, Canada
Weight: 1,496 pounds (678.58 kg)
Fraser’s monumental achievement took place while fishing aboard the Lady and Misty with Captain Eric Samson. After the tuna took a baited mackerel, the angler engaged in an intense battle that lasted approximately 45 minutes. Remarkably, the fish retained its immense weight even after being on the boat for nearly 10 hours, showcasing the incredible size of the giant bluefin in the region.
The Atlantic bluefin tuna (Thunnus thynnus) is widely regarded as the largest and most impressive tuna species on the planet.
Size: They possess streamlined, torpedo-shaped bodies built for speed. While the world record stands at nearly 1,500 pounds, these giants can grow to be over 12 feet (3.7 meters) in length and may reach a theoretical weight of up to 2,000 pounds (910 kg).
Speed and Power: Atlantic bluefin are renowned for their strength and ability to achieve burst speeds exceeding 40 mph. They are highly migratory, traveling thousands of miles across the ocean.
Habitat: They inhabit the subtropical and temperate waters of the North Atlantic Ocean, ranging from Newfoundland to the Gulf of Mexico, as well as the Mediterranean and Black Seas.
Conservation: Decades of overfishing severely threatened populations, but strict management measures by organizations like NOAA Fisheries and international bodies have helped stabilize numbers in certain areas, leading to a reclassification to Least Concern on the IUCN Red List in 2021.
The enduring record stands as a powerful reminder of the magnificent scale of the Atlantic bluefin tuna and the dedication required to catch one of the ocean’s true Goliaths.
