NEW YORK ANGLER MAGAZINE
International Fishing News & Global Adventures
By George | International Correspondent
Published in New York Angler Magazine - September 2025 Edition
BREAKING: Multiple World Records Under Review as Global Fishing Scene Explodes with Activity!
The international fishing scene is absolutely electric right now, George here, and I've got to tell you - the past 30 days have delivered some of the most incredible fishing stories we've seen in years! From record-breaking catches that are rewriting the books to mysterious deep-sea creatures that look like they swam straight out of a science fiction movie, anglers around the globe are experiencing the kind of fishing that legends are made of.
What's got me most excited is how these stories showcase the incredible diversity and ongoing mysteries of our world's waters. Whether it's a 13-year-old kid in California potentially breaking a world record, Russian fishermen hauling up "alien" creatures from the depths, or Aussie anglers setting new standards in New Zealand's pristine waters, one thing is crystal clear: the golden age of recreational fishing is happening right now, and we're all witnessing history in the making.
This Month's Global Hotspots: California Coast • Russian Pacific Waters • Tasmania's Wild West • New Zealand's South Island • North Carolina's Outer Banks
CALIFORNIA
WHITE SEA BASS
Julian Her, 13, with his potentially record-breaking 63-pound white sea bass caught in Tomales Bay, California
Here's a story that'll give you goosebumps: Julian Her, just 13 years old from Rio Oso, California, may have just demolished a world record that's stood since 2002. This eighth-grader was out fishing with his family in Tomales Bay when he hooked into what he initially thought was a shark. After a brutal fight that left his arms burning, Julian hauled in a massive 63-pound white sea bass that could rewrite the juvenile world record books.
"I thought it was a shark when I first saw it. My arms were like hurting... it was pretty amazing." - Julian Her, age 13
What makes this story even more incredible is the circumstances. Julian was targeting halibut with his father Rinna, uncle Chong, and cousins when his rod suddenly bent double. The family initially thought he was being dramatic - until they realized this was no ordinary fish. His father started recording just in time to capture the moment they saw the massive white sea bass breaking the surface.
RECORD WATCH: The current juvenile world record for white sea bass stands at 59 pounds, set in 2002. Julian's 63-pound fish is currently under review by the International Game Fish Association (IGFA). If certified, this would represent a significant jump in the record and could inspire a new generation of young anglers.
Julian's father summed it up perfectly: "It wasn't our goal. He knows, it's OK if it's not. We had a blast. We made core memories for life. And he already loved fishing, but he's going to be a fisherman for life now." That's the kind of attitude that builds champions, folks!
NORTH PACIFIC
SMOOTH LUMPSUCKER
The bizarre smooth lumpsucker caught by Russian fisherman Roman Fedortsov that sparked global "alien" comparisons
Now here's where things get wild, and I mean WILD! Roman Fedortsov, a Russian deep-sea trawlerman who's become legendary for photographing the monsters he accidentally snags while trolling the depths, has done it again. His latest catch has the internet absolutely buzzing - a gray, bulbous creature that looks like it swam straight out of a sci-fi movie.
Fedortsov, who regularly shares his bizarre bycatch with his 600,000 Instagram followers, identified this particular creature as a smooth lumpsucker - a species of marine ray-finned fish that can grow over a foot long and lives in the deep ocean depths. But here's the thing: when these deep-sea fish are brought to the surface, rapid pressure changes cause their bodies to expand dramatically, creating that "alien" appearance that's got everyone talking.
"That is 100% an alien," declared one Instagram viewer, while another wrote, "That's the pet of aliens living underwater." The reaction has been absolutely explosive!
What I love about Fedortsov's work is how it opens our eyes to the incredible diversity of life in our oceans. Every time he posts one of these creatures, it reminds us that we've explored less than 5% of our planet's oceans. There are literally millions of species down there we've never seen, and some of them look more alien than anything Hollywood could dream up!
The smooth lumpsucker incident has racked up millions of views and sparked discussions about ocean exploration, marine biology, and the incredible biodiversity of our planet's deep waters. It's proof that fishing isn't just about catching dinner - sometimes it's about discovering worlds we never knew existed.
TASMANIA
OARFISH
The rare oarfish discovered on Tasmania's Ocean Beach - a creature so elusive it's nicknamed the "doomsday fish"
Get ready for this one - it's straight out of maritime legend! Sybil Robertson was taking her usual walk on Ocean Beach near Strahan, Tasmania, when she spotted something that stopped her dead in her tracks. There, being investigated by a group of sea eagles, was a magnificent oarfish - one of the ocean's longest and most mysterious creatures.
Oarfish are absolutely mind-blowing creatures that can grow up to 26 feet long, making them one of the longest bony fish in the ocean. They're nicknamed the "king of herrings" for their impressive size, but they've also earned the more ominous moniker "doomsday fish" due to ancient legends that claim their appearance near shore foretells natural disasters, particularly earthquakes.
"When I go out there, I'm the only person on the beach. It's really wild. There's nothing between here and Argentina." - Sybil Robertson, describing the remote location of her incredible discovery
What makes this discovery so extraordinary is how rare these sightings are. Oarfish typically live at depths of 150-500 meters in the open ocean, where they float vertically in the water column, lazily feeding on plankton. Associate Professor Neville Barrett from the University of Tasmania put it perfectly: "We're just not out there. We're not looking, we're not diving, we're not even fishing in that part of the ocean."
OARFISH FACTS:
• Can weigh over 400kg (880 pounds)
• Feed by floating vertically and "nibbling" plankton
• First recorded sighting on Australia's east coast in 2022
• Extremely rare - most marine biologists never see one alive
The timing of this discovery has some people talking about the old legends, especially with increased seismic activity being reported in various parts of the world. But whether you believe in the "doomsday" connection or not, there's no denying that finding an intact oarfish is like discovering a living sea serpent. These creatures represent the mystery and majesty of our deep oceans.
Marine biologist Jorja Gilmore, one of the few people to have seen a living oarfish, described the experience as "like something from the deep sea" and "the best thing I have seen in the water to this day." When you hear descriptions like that from professionals who spend their lives studying marine life, you know you're dealing with something truly special.
NEW ZEALAND
BROWN TROUT
Paul Rahman with his world-record 17.75kg brown trout caught in New Zealand's Ōhau Canal
Here's a story that perfectly captures the dedication and passion that drives serious anglers! Paul Rahman, an Australian angler who'd been making regular pilgrimages to New Zealand's Twizel region for over a decade, finally hit the jackpot in the most dramatic way possible. After 30 minutes of battling a monster brown trout in the Ōhau Canal, Rahman literally dived into the frigid water after midnight to secure what would become a world record catch.
The 17.75-kilogram (39.1-pound) brown trout has been officially recognized by the International Game Fish Association (IGFA) as the heaviest brown trout caught on a 4kg line. But the story of how Rahman landed it is what makes this catch legendary. Fishing in complete darkness with the chill of autumn hanging in the air, Rahman knew he was connected to something special from the moment the fish hit.
"I knew when it hooked the trout it was big. Had to just keep running and pulling the line, because you're fishing such a light line on such a big fish you've got no control out of it." - Paul Rahman
What I love about this story is Rahman's dedication to the fishery. He'd been traveling from Melbourne to Twizel specifically to target these legendary brown trout for more than ten years, learning the water, understanding the fish behavior, and perfecting his technique. This wasn't a lucky accident - this was the result of years of dedication paying off in the most spectacular way.
TECHNIQUE SPOTLIGHT: Rahman's success came from night fishing between 8 PM and 4 AM, when the big brown trout come out to the edges to feed. He would locate fish during daylight hours, then return under cover of darkness to present his baits. This patient, methodical approach is what separates trophy hunters from casual anglers.
The drama of the final moments is pure fishing gold. Rahman's friend initially downplayed the size of the fish, saying "It's not that big, I don't know what took you so long to bring it in." But when Rahman asked his friend to jump in the water to net the fish, the friend refused. So Rahman handed over his rod and "virtually dived on it" to secure the catch. That's commitment!
Even more impressive is Rahman's conservation ethic. Despite landing a world record fish, he carefully weighed it on his IGFA-certified scale and then released it alive. "I don't really eat big trout and I've already got a couple of big fish on the wall mounted," he explained. This catch-and-release mentality is what keeps trophy fisheries sustainable for future generations.
ŌHAU CANAL FACTS:
• Part of the Mackenzie Basin hydro canal system
• Recognized as world-class trophy trout fishery
• Current all-tackle world record: 20.1kg brown trout (2020)
• Rumors of a 50-pound fish still swimming in the system
While we celebrate these incredible catches and discoveries, it's crucial to remember that healthy fisheries don't happen by accident. Each of these stories - from California's white sea bass population recovery to New Zealand's world-class trout fisheries - represents decades of conservation work, habitat protection, and sustainable fishing practices.
The mysterious deep-sea creatures like Roman Fedortsov's finds remind us how little we know about our oceans' ecosystems. Climate change, pollution, and overfishing threaten these incredible biodiversity hotspots before we even have a chance to study them properly.
"There's rumours of a 50 pounder up there that's been caught. No one has recorded or verified it, we anticipate that there'll be a 50 pound fish that will be caught and made an official record at some stage." - Steve McKnight, Fish and Game Central South Island
The key message here is that trophy fishing and conservation go hand in hand. Paul Rahman's catch-and-release approach, the careful monitoring of Julian Her's potential record through proper IGFA channels, and the scientific interest in unusual deep-sea discoveries all contribute to our understanding and protection of marine resources.
As we wrap up this incredible roundup of global fishing news, one thing is crystal clear: we're living in the golden age of recreational fishing. Advanced technology is helping us understand fish behavior better than ever, conservation efforts are rebuilding fish populations worldwide, and social media is connecting anglers across continents to share knowledge and celebrate achievements.
Julian Her's potential world record shows us that the next generation of anglers is stepping up in a big way. Kids today have access to better equipment, more knowledge, and stronger fisheries than many of us had growing up. That 13-year-old's success story will inspire thousands of young anglers to get out on the water and chase their own dreams.
The mysterious creatures being discovered in our deep oceans remind us that exploration and wonder are still very much alive in fishing. Every cast into the unknown carries the potential for discovery, whether it's a new personal best or a creature science has never seen before.
Coming Up: Keep your eyes peeled for more international fishing news as we head into the fall season. Reports are coming in of exceptional fishing from Alaska to Argentina, and the world record chase is heating up across multiple species!
The international fishing community has never been more connected or more excited. From California's coastline to New Zealand's pristine waters, from the mysterious depths off Russia to Tasmania's wild shores, anglers are pushing boundaries, breaking records, and making discoveries that will inspire generations to come.
So whether you're planning your next international fishing adventure or just dreaming about monster fish from your local waters, remember this: the fish of a lifetime could be waiting on your very next cast. The only way to catch it is to get out there and make it happen!
For more international fishing news and adventure stories, visit NewYorkAngler.com
International Fishing News & Global Adventures
Around the World in 80 Casts: Global Fishing News Roundup
Monster Catches, Mysterious Creatures, and Record-Breaking Adventures from International WatersBy George | International Correspondent
Published in New York Angler Magazine - September 2025 Edition
BREAKING: Multiple World Records Under Review as Global Fishing Scene Explodes with Activity! The international fishing scene is absolutely electric right now, George here, and I've got to tell you - the past 30 days have delivered some of the most incredible fishing stories we've seen in years! From record-breaking catches that are rewriting the books to mysterious deep-sea creatures that look like they swam straight out of a science fiction movie, anglers around the globe are experiencing the kind of fishing that legends are made of.
What's got me most excited is how these stories showcase the incredible diversity and ongoing mysteries of our world's waters. Whether it's a 13-year-old kid in California potentially breaking a world record, Russian fishermen hauling up "alien" creatures from the depths, or Aussie anglers setting new standards in New Zealand's pristine waters, one thing is crystal clear: the golden age of recreational fishing is happening right now, and we're all witnessing history in the making.
This Month's Global Hotspots: California Coast • Russian Pacific Waters • Tasmania's Wild West • New Zealand's South Island • North Carolina's Outer Banks
RECORD BREAKERS: California Kid Shocks the Fishing World
CALIFORNIAWHITE SEA BASS
Julian Her, 13, with his potentially record-breaking 63-pound white sea bass caught in Tomales Bay, California
Here's a story that'll give you goosebumps: Julian Her, just 13 years old from Rio Oso, California, may have just demolished a world record that's stood since 2002. This eighth-grader was out fishing with his family in Tomales Bay when he hooked into what he initially thought was a shark. After a brutal fight that left his arms burning, Julian hauled in a massive 63-pound white sea bass that could rewrite the juvenile world record books.
"I thought it was a shark when I first saw it. My arms were like hurting... it was pretty amazing." - Julian Her, age 13
What makes this story even more incredible is the circumstances. Julian was targeting halibut with his father Rinna, uncle Chong, and cousins when his rod suddenly bent double. The family initially thought he was being dramatic - until they realized this was no ordinary fish. His father started recording just in time to capture the moment they saw the massive white sea bass breaking the surface.
RECORD WATCH: The current juvenile world record for white sea bass stands at 59 pounds, set in 2002. Julian's 63-pound fish is currently under review by the International Game Fish Association (IGFA). If certified, this would represent a significant jump in the record and could inspire a new generation of young anglers.
Julian's father summed it up perfectly: "It wasn't our goal. He knows, it's OK if it's not. We had a blast. We made core memories for life. And he already loved fishing, but he's going to be a fisherman for life now." That's the kind of attitude that builds champions, folks!
MYSTERIES OF THE DEEP: Russian Fisherman's "Alien" Discovery
NORTH PACIFICSMOOTH LUMPSUCKER
The bizarre smooth lumpsucker caught by Russian fisherman Roman Fedortsov that sparked global "alien" comparisons
Now here's where things get wild, and I mean WILD! Roman Fedortsov, a Russian deep-sea trawlerman who's become legendary for photographing the monsters he accidentally snags while trolling the depths, has done it again. His latest catch has the internet absolutely buzzing - a gray, bulbous creature that looks like it swam straight out of a sci-fi movie.
Fedortsov, who regularly shares his bizarre bycatch with his 600,000 Instagram followers, identified this particular creature as a smooth lumpsucker - a species of marine ray-finned fish that can grow over a foot long and lives in the deep ocean depths. But here's the thing: when these deep-sea fish are brought to the surface, rapid pressure changes cause their bodies to expand dramatically, creating that "alien" appearance that's got everyone talking.
What Makes Deep-Sea Fish Look So Alien?
The dramatic appearance changes in deep-sea fish aren't due to alien DNA - they're caused by rapid decompression as the fish is brought from depths of 500+ meters to the surface. The fish's swim bladder expands, internal gases bubble out, and the overall body shape distorts dramatically. It's a reminder of just how alien our own deep ocean environments really are!"That is 100% an alien," declared one Instagram viewer, while another wrote, "That's the pet of aliens living underwater." The reaction has been absolutely explosive!
What I love about Fedortsov's work is how it opens our eyes to the incredible diversity of life in our oceans. Every time he posts one of these creatures, it reminds us that we've explored less than 5% of our planet's oceans. There are literally millions of species down there we've never seen, and some of them look more alien than anything Hollywood could dream up!
The smooth lumpsucker incident has racked up millions of views and sparked discussions about ocean exploration, marine biology, and the incredible biodiversity of our planet's deep waters. It's proof that fishing isn't just about catching dinner - sometimes it's about discovering worlds we never knew existed.
DOOMSDAY DISCOVERIES: Tasmania's Ominous Ocean Visitor
TASMANIAOARFISH
The rare oarfish discovered on Tasmania's Ocean Beach - a creature so elusive it's nicknamed the "doomsday fish"
Get ready for this one - it's straight out of maritime legend! Sybil Robertson was taking her usual walk on Ocean Beach near Strahan, Tasmania, when she spotted something that stopped her dead in her tracks. There, being investigated by a group of sea eagles, was a magnificent oarfish - one of the ocean's longest and most mysterious creatures.
Oarfish are absolutely mind-blowing creatures that can grow up to 26 feet long, making them one of the longest bony fish in the ocean. They're nicknamed the "king of herrings" for their impressive size, but they've also earned the more ominous moniker "doomsday fish" due to ancient legends that claim their appearance near shore foretells natural disasters, particularly earthquakes.
"When I go out there, I'm the only person on the beach. It's really wild. There's nothing between here and Argentina." - Sybil Robertson, describing the remote location of her incredible discovery
What makes this discovery so extraordinary is how rare these sightings are. Oarfish typically live at depths of 150-500 meters in the open ocean, where they float vertically in the water column, lazily feeding on plankton. Associate Professor Neville Barrett from the University of Tasmania put it perfectly: "We're just not out there. We're not looking, we're not diving, we're not even fishing in that part of the ocean."
OARFISH FACTS:
• Can weigh over 400kg (880 pounds)
• Feed by floating vertically and "nibbling" plankton
• First recorded sighting on Australia's east coast in 2022
• Extremely rare - most marine biologists never see one alive
The timing of this discovery has some people talking about the old legends, especially with increased seismic activity being reported in various parts of the world. But whether you believe in the "doomsday" connection or not, there's no denying that finding an intact oarfish is like discovering a living sea serpent. These creatures represent the mystery and majesty of our deep oceans.
Marine biologist Jorja Gilmore, one of the few people to have seen a living oarfish, described the experience as "like something from the deep sea" and "the best thing I have seen in the water to this day." When you hear descriptions like that from professionals who spend their lives studying marine life, you know you're dealing with something truly special.
DOWN UNDER DOMINANCE: Aussie Sets World Record in Kiwi Waters
NEW ZEALANDBROWN TROUT
Paul Rahman with his world-record 17.75kg brown trout caught in New Zealand's Ōhau Canal
Here's a story that perfectly captures the dedication and passion that drives serious anglers! Paul Rahman, an Australian angler who'd been making regular pilgrimages to New Zealand's Twizel region for over a decade, finally hit the jackpot in the most dramatic way possible. After 30 minutes of battling a monster brown trout in the Ōhau Canal, Rahman literally dived into the frigid water after midnight to secure what would become a world record catch.
The 17.75-kilogram (39.1-pound) brown trout has been officially recognized by the International Game Fish Association (IGFA) as the heaviest brown trout caught on a 4kg line. But the story of how Rahman landed it is what makes this catch legendary. Fishing in complete darkness with the chill of autumn hanging in the air, Rahman knew he was connected to something special from the moment the fish hit.
"I knew when it hooked the trout it was big. Had to just keep running and pulling the line, because you're fishing such a light line on such a big fish you've got no control out of it." - Paul Rahman
What I love about this story is Rahman's dedication to the fishery. He'd been traveling from Melbourne to Twizel specifically to target these legendary brown trout for more than ten years, learning the water, understanding the fish behavior, and perfecting his technique. This wasn't a lucky accident - this was the result of years of dedication paying off in the most spectacular way.
TECHNIQUE SPOTLIGHT: Rahman's success came from night fishing between 8 PM and 4 AM, when the big brown trout come out to the edges to feed. He would locate fish during daylight hours, then return under cover of darkness to present his baits. This patient, methodical approach is what separates trophy hunters from casual anglers.
The drama of the final moments is pure fishing gold. Rahman's friend initially downplayed the size of the fish, saying "It's not that big, I don't know what took you so long to bring it in." But when Rahman asked his friend to jump in the water to net the fish, the friend refused. So Rahman handed over his rod and "virtually dived on it" to secure the catch. That's commitment!
Even more impressive is Rahman's conservation ethic. Despite landing a world record fish, he carefully weighed it on his IGFA-certified scale and then released it alive. "I don't really eat big trout and I've already got a couple of big fish on the wall mounted," he explained. This catch-and-release mentality is what keeps trophy fisheries sustainable for future generations.
ŌHAU CANAL FACTS:
• Part of the Mackenzie Basin hydro canal system
• Recognized as world-class trophy trout fishery
• Current all-tackle world record: 20.1kg brown trout (2020)
• Rumors of a 50-pound fish still swimming in the system
CONSERVATION CORNER: Protecting Our Global Fisheries
While we celebrate these incredible catches and discoveries, it's crucial to remember that healthy fisheries don't happen by accident. Each of these stories - from California's white sea bass population recovery to New Zealand's world-class trout fisheries - represents decades of conservation work, habitat protection, and sustainable fishing practices.The mysterious deep-sea creatures like Roman Fedortsov's finds remind us how little we know about our oceans' ecosystems. Climate change, pollution, and overfishing threaten these incredible biodiversity hotspots before we even have a chance to study them properly.
"There's rumours of a 50 pounder up there that's been caught. No one has recorded or verified it, we anticipate that there'll be a 50 pound fish that will be caught and made an official record at some stage." - Steve McKnight, Fish and Game Central South Island
The key message here is that trophy fishing and conservation go hand in hand. Paul Rahman's catch-and-release approach, the careful monitoring of Julian Her's potential record through proper IGFA channels, and the scientific interest in unusual deep-sea discoveries all contribute to our understanding and protection of marine resources.
LOOKING AHEAD: The Future of Global Fishing
As we wrap up this incredible roundup of global fishing news, one thing is crystal clear: we're living in the golden age of recreational fishing. Advanced technology is helping us understand fish behavior better than ever, conservation efforts are rebuilding fish populations worldwide, and social media is connecting anglers across continents to share knowledge and celebrate achievements.Julian Her's potential world record shows us that the next generation of anglers is stepping up in a big way. Kids today have access to better equipment, more knowledge, and stronger fisheries than many of us had growing up. That 13-year-old's success story will inspire thousands of young anglers to get out on the water and chase their own dreams.
The mysterious creatures being discovered in our deep oceans remind us that exploration and wonder are still very much alive in fishing. Every cast into the unknown carries the potential for discovery, whether it's a new personal best or a creature science has never seen before.
Coming Up: Keep your eyes peeled for more international fishing news as we head into the fall season. Reports are coming in of exceptional fishing from Alaska to Argentina, and the world record chase is heating up across multiple species!
The international fishing community has never been more connected or more excited. From California's coastline to New Zealand's pristine waters, from the mysterious depths off Russia to Tasmania's wild shores, anglers are pushing boundaries, breaking records, and making discoveries that will inspire generations to come.
So whether you're planning your next international fishing adventure or just dreaming about monster fish from your local waters, remember this: the fish of a lifetime could be waiting on your very next cast. The only way to catch it is to get out there and make it happen!
For more international fishing news and adventure stories, visit NewYorkAngler.com
