If the most recent catch, reported hours ago on the Latest Forum Topics as 22-5 from Lake Biwa in Japan (click here) is accepted by the International Game Fishing Association, it will present several points of discussion.
One, of course, you’ll need an interpreter to get the whole story, but you have to agree, it most certainly will turn the coveted U.S. standard into a true world record, though it may not sell as much stuff as a stateside catch.
Secondly, and I posted this too fast to confirm it, but in years past, the IGFA records always needed to exceed the existing record by at least 2 ounces–and if not, they were considered to merely equal the existing mark.
And thirdly, how will this event affect the quest by Team Foul Hook in San Diego County? That crew got an awful lot of mileage out of a snagged fish last year (shame on National Geographic), and who knows how desperate they might be for a return to celebrity?
While certification is pending, a new world record is long overdue. But just remember, with every action there is a reaction–and you might not like what you see between now and next spring.
Read more here in my “other blog.”