Gary Carter Sets New 2 lb Test World Record

May 2015 ultralight angler Gary Carter of Atlanta, Georgia  added a new 2 lb test world record to his resume on May 3rd off Kona, Hawaii by catching a 35.5 lb shortbill spearfish.

Multiple World Records for Shortbill Spearfish

Carter who already holds the 6 lb record for shortbill spearfish, also tied the 4 lb record by catching with a 34.5 shortbill spearfish a couple days prior to catching the 2 lb pending record.  Hence, Carter now holds the 6 lb, has tied the 4 lb, and has a 2 lb pending world record for this species – a remarkable feat!

In pursuit of making IGFA history,  Carter ironically caught the world record spear with Captain Jason Holtz on the 38′ Ricky Scarbrough Pursuit, along with Ryan O’Halloran and OB Morton as crew. 

Targeting Multiple Species with Ultralight Tackle

Carter and his wife Sherrell, who both hold numerous ultralight records, booked Holtz for two weeks to specifically target spearfish on 2 lb and 4 lb test, and blue marlin under 500 on 8 lb and blues over 500 on 16 lb.

Sherrell Carter’s Quest for Women’s Blue Marlin Record

To date, Sherrell attempting to best the women’s blue marlin record of 180 lbs has fought several blues on 8 lb, but so far the marlin have won those battles.

Captain Jason Holtz’s Expertise

A seasoned veteran of big game fishing, Holtz raised 18 blue marlin and 12 spearfish over the charter for the two expert anglers.

Techniques Used for the Ultralight Fishing World Records Catch

The record 2 lb test spearfish was teased up with a Koya bullet lure and then switched to a scaled down version of a Panama belly bait on the 2 lb with a 14’11 foot 130 lb amilan leader. For more information, please contact Capt Jason Holtz

Pursuit Fishing Kona

[email protected]

For more fishing records check out InTheBite’s archive of some great catches Click Here