The International Underwater Spearfishing Association

International Underwater Spearfishing Association

World Record

16.1 kg. , 35.4 lbs.

Grouper, Orange Spotted Epinephelus coioides

Record Category: Men Speargun

Diver:		Fenias Muhate
Date:		6/1/2013
Location:		MOZAMBIQUE

After a terrible day at sea, with rough conditions and no fish, we decided to stop at B1 for our last shot of the day. B1 is a buoy that sets the entrance for the Maputo channel, which is constantly dredged throughout the year. The channel comes from a depth of 12 meters and goes down to 25m steep. Usually we find some good fish at the base of the buoy, where the anchor is, and we went for that. Emiliano, tired of the catching few fish, decided to stay at the buoy and recover mussels attached at the chain. I went to the edge of the channel to seek for the anchor. Coming down, I saw a large grouper, on the 15Kg mark, coming towards me, curios on what I was doing. I primarily thought of a small brindle bass, as it’s a common specie for that area, later, I was surprised to recognize an orangespotted grouper of that size. Incredible, the largest I have ever seen was not over 8 kg; this one was double of the size. Easy shot: pointed and killed. Once on the surface, Emiliano, my buddy, screamed:”what have you done Fenix, brindles are a protected specie”. I laughed and laughed and laughed and said: “look closer”. An amazing ending for such terrible day!