A common misconception about tuna is that they are small enough to fit in the typical tins found in supermarkets. However, some tuna species can grow to massive sizes.
In the UK, the tuna commonly consumed comes from five different species: albacore, bigeye, bluefin, skipjack, and yellowfin. The skipjack, the most prevalent type, is usually under 10kg in weight.
The western Atlantic bluefin tuna, on the other hand, are known to be enormous creatures. Recently, a photo of the largest Atlantic bluefin tuna ever caught has resurfaced on social media, showcasing the immense size of the fish compared to the man who reeled it in.
Back in October 1979, Ken Fraser caught a colossal Atlantic bluefin tuna weighing a remarkable 1,496 pounds (about 679 kilograms) off Aulds Cove, Nova Scotia, Canada. This record-breaking catch remains unbeaten to this day.
Fishing alongside Capt. Eric Samson aboard Lady and Misty from Port Hood, Nova Scotia, Ken engaged in a 45-minute struggle before successfully securing the massive fish after it took the bait.
Ken recounted the experience in his book “Possessed,” mentioning how he unexpectedly found himself in the fishing chair, leading to the capture of the world-record 1,496-pound tuna.
The 12-foot tuna was weighed only after drying out on the boat for approximately 10 hours, suggesting that its live weight was even higher.
Ken’s record has stood for over 45 years, and the chances of it being surpassed seem slim. However, a recent catch of a 210kg (463lb) bluefin tuna in British waters by Devon fish wholesaler Ian Perkes has brought attention to the presence of these massive fish in the region.
Ian shared that bluefins, though a relatively new sight in British waters, have been spotted in significant numbers recently, causing visible disturbances in the sea due to their size.
The eastern Atlantic stock of tuna, found in UK and Irish waters, typically spawns in the Mediterranean Sea before migrating northwards, expanding their population by over 20% in the last four decades.
While sightings of such a large group off the Devon coast had not been reported since the early 1950s, the recent appearance of these fish in the area indicates a resurgence in their presence.
The identity of the fisherman who landed the monster fish remains undisclosed, but Ian mentioned that it was caught using rod and line from a relatively small boat, highlighting the skill of the local fishermen in the region.
