IGFA Photo
While I’ve never quite understood the fascination with fighting monster fish on super light line (especially for the sake of the fish’s health), I must say that a 30-pound, 8-ounce lake trout caught on 2-pound tippet is a pretty impressive feat.
Frank Bluch of Corio Victoria, Australia pulled off the feat on August 7, while fishing Great Bear Lake, in Canada’s NW Territories with guide Captain Mike Harrison. The monster mack munched a white streamer and was weighed and released. If approved, will obliterate the current IGFA 2-pound tippet record, a 13-pound, 8-ounce fish from Canada’s Wellesley Lake.
mike harrison says
The IGFA has approved Frank’s application and he now has the official world record for Ikg tippet, fresh water fly fishing, lake trout. ( It is the largest laker ever approved for any fly fishing tippet strength. )
As Mr. Bluch’s guide I can attest to the effective capture and release of that incredible “Mack” and confirm that the fishes well being was minimally compromised during the capture process for it never was a ” fight” considering Franks drag was adjusted to 1.8 lb. pressure, we simply staid with the fish for over 4 hrs until we developed a strategic position enabling us to cradle it close to shore where we documented its dimensions, photographed and videoed the release of the new world record which swam away with vigour . I’d like to point out that this trout has also been previously caught and effectively released by another angler and guest of Plummer’s Arctic Lodges on Great Bear Lake based on the scar tissue on its lower jaw that provides the tell tale signs of been caused by a barbless hook.
As an established, professional, fresh water fishing guide in Canada’s Sub-Arctic and Arctic waters for 18 years, I’ve experienced the capture and release of several hundred trophy class fish , including Lake Trout, Arctic Char, Northern Pike , Inconnu, Walleye, Arctic Grayling, Burbot, Whitefish, with almost every legal tackle/presentation technology imaginable, from the heaviest to lightest gear. I enthusiastically invite forum on the topic of traumatization of angler quarry and the principles of angling purpose. Please visit my facebook page Broken World Records to post comments.
Chowder’s Served,
Capitan Savel Michel Harrison