The International Underwater Spearfishing Association

International Underwater Spearfishing Association

World Record

8.0 kg. , 17.6 lbs.

Carp, Common Cyprinus carpio

Record Category: Women Sling / Polespear

Diver:		Shelby Lynn Peterson
Date:		7/20/2019
Location:		UNITED STATES

We had been diving all day, and I was disappointed as I had not been having much luck. We were at our last spot before we would be done for the day. My husband and dive partner was diving off of a deeper shelf by me so I decided to dive on the shallow shelf up above him to see if he spooked anything my way. To my surprise it worked and a fat bellied carp swam right up to me from where my husband just was. I aimed for a soft spot as carp tend to have "hard to penetrate bones". As soon as I made that choice I knew that I needed to prepare for a possible tear off. I was right. As soon as my spear went into her belly I knew I needed to get a hold on her. I then proceeded to shove my free left hand into her now torn open belly and grabbed onto her insides and pulled her into me to manage her thrashing. I then tucked my pole spear under my arm and held the fish with both hands. I proceeded to swim the struggling fish to our anchored boat and throw it on board. I was thrilled as I had started the day hoping to get a new pole spear record and I knew she would be before I even let go of my grip on my spear to catch her.