Georgia Anglers Reel In Record-Breaking Saltwater Catches
Two residents of Telfair County, Georgia, have recently claimed state saltwater fishing records with their impressive catches.
On May 2, Jason H. Rich of McRae-Helena landed a massive 23-pound, 15.04-ounce Almaco Jack (Seriola rivoliana) while fishing offshore between the South Ledge and Navy Tower R3.
Rich's catch surpassed the previous record of 19 pounds, 10.53 ounces, which was set by Hayden W. Mundy of Midway just three months earlier in March 2024.
Rich, a licensed saltwater guide, was aboard his boat "Slay Ride" when he used a spinning rod with a vertical jig to entice the record-breaking Almaco Jack.
Two days later, on May 4, Molly M. Strickland of Lumber City tied the existing state record for Blackfin Tuna (Thunnus atlanticus) with her catch weighing 30 pounds, 14.24 ounces.
Strickland's fish matched the weight of the previous record set by Penny Morgan-Turner of St. Simons Island in 1999, which weighed 30 pounds, 8 ounces.
Strickland was fishing near the South Ledge using a daisy-chain rigged with ballyhoo aboard the vessel "Bare Down," captained by Blake Barry, when she hooked the hefty Blackfin Tuna.
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