The International Underwater Spearfishing Association

International Underwater Spearfishing Association

World Record

8.1 kg. , 17.7 lbs.

Cobia Rachycentron canadum

Record Category: Women Sling / Polespear

Diver:		Summer Shedd
Date:		7/3/2014
Location:		BAHAMAS

We were 5 miles behind Bimini running from Cat Cay to the Isaacs, my husband was driving the boat from the tuna tower when he noticed a wreck in the grass we have never seen before, so we decided to jump in and check it out. The structure looked something like a giant engine turbine (we still are not sure exactly what it was) in only 26ft of water. Upon entry in the water I was greeted by school of mangrove snappers and large sting rays, following closely to the largest of the rays was the cobia. One other diver spotted him first fired his sling gave the fish a haircut then the fish was gone, I turned my sites to the mangrove snappers and dove down to the structure. The moment I hit bottom I looked to my right and there was that same cobia following the ray I had no float line attached to my 7ft Riffe pole spear at the time, but I knew I had a good enough shot I could mortally wound the fish; I pulled my band tight and aimed for his gills it was the best option I had from the angle he approached me, I released my spear. Success, I hit the perfect spot, blood began pouring from his gills and the fish began to twitch and I swam him to the boat, stopping for a few pictures.