Record-Breaking Year for Florida Saltwater State Records Program Continues to Draw Anglers of All Ages

A Surge in Saltwater Fishing Activity

The Florida Saltwater State Records program has witnessed an unprecedented surge in participation in 2025, celebrating the approval of 18 new records. This significant uptick echoes the introduction of the Adult and Youth Length and Youth All-Tackle categories, which debuted the previous year. From the vibrant reefs to the offshore waters of the Gulf, Florida remains a prime destination for anglers eager to challenge themselves and contribute to conservation efforts through responsible fishing practices.

The adult category showcased notable achievements this year, with six new records established. Nathanial Campbell made waves with a remarkable 27.6-pound yellow jack caught via spearfishing—a new All-Tackle benchmark. In a series of twists, Watson Eugene Wilson and Renee Knight each secured new Adult Length records with their magnificent red drum (38.75 inches) and snook (36 inches), respectively. The excitement culminated in an end-of-year showdown when Carl Caradonna submitted an impressive 40-inch snook, reclaiming the title for the Adult Length record holder.

In addition to these feats, Billy Ray Pierce and Joel Hierholzer emerged victorious with All-Tackle records for a red porgy (6.74 pounds) and Atlantic bonito (9.56 pounds), further enriching the program’s competitive spirit.

Youth Anglers Shine Bright

The youth division took center stage this year, amassing an astonishing 12 new records. Leading the charge was veteran angler Julia Bernstein, who captured five records, including the Youth Length record for permit and four Youth All-Tackle records for vermilion snapper, crevalle jack, blackfin tuna, and mutton snapper. However, her mutton snapper record was quickly eclipsed by Jeremiah Pelequin II’s catch of a 15.7-pound mutton just a few months later.

Thrilling the field was Cash Ward, who set the Youth All-Tackle spotted seatrout record early in the year with a 3.49-pound fish. This achievement held until Chase Curry redefined the standard with a slightly heavier 3.7-pound catch in December. Other young anglers achieving notable honors include Theo Zellers with a sheepshead (3.98 pounds), Harrison Farshid with a black sea bass (5.4 pounds), Carson Atcheson with an impressive tripletail (18.4 pounds), and Brandon Canedy with a Spanish mackerel (3.31 pounds).

“It has been exhilarating to witness anglers of all ages seizing these opportunities in the Fishing Capital of the World. The enthusiastic participation from both adults and youth fuels a shared passion for fishing that resonates deeply with Florida’s unique fishing culture,” remarked Jessica McCawley, Director of the Division of Marine Fisheries Management.

Why It Matters

The ongoing success of the Florida Saltwater State Records program holds considerable implications for the state’s ecological health and economic vitality. Increased participation not only fosters a community of responsible anglers but also promotes sustainable fishing practices that ultimately benefit marine habitats. As local economies thrive on tourism and recreational fishing, the culture of conservation becomes ever more pertinent, encouraging both amateurs and veterans to forge a legacy rooted in ocean stewardship.

With open records still available—two Adult Length categories and several Youth All-Tackle vacancies—aspiring anglers are encouraged to join in on the action. An engaged fishing community contributes to ongoing conservation efforts and secures the resources necessary for future generations to enjoy Florida’s bountiful marine environment.

Field Insights: Pro-Tips for Aspiring Record-Setters

• Familiarize Yourself with Categories: Review the available categories at CatchaFloridaMemory.com/Records to identify opportunities.

• Document Your Catch: Submitting a successful application requires detailed photographic evidence, including images of the gear used, the angler with their catch, and clear views of the fish for verification.

• Best Practices for Handling: When submitting for Length category records, use wet hands to handle fish, keeping fingers away from eyes and gills. It’s advisable to keep the fish in the water during measurements or to wet measuring devices to minimize stress and injury to the fish.

• Timeliness Counts: Youth applications must be submitted within three months of the catch date to ensure eligibility.

For additional guidelines on fish handling, visit MyFWC.com/FishHandling or BonefishTarponTrust.org/Bonefish-Handling.

As our fishing community continues to brace for record-breaking excitement, let this year be a rallying call for responsible fishing, conservation advocacy, and cherished outdoor memories. Engage, participate, and protect the resources that make Florida a haven for anglers worldwide.