Recording Setting Fish Catches

In June the Coastal Resources Division (CRD) of the Georgia Department of Natural Resources announced a new men’s state saltwater gamefish record for African pompano (Alectis ciliaris), landed Aug. 11, 2018, by Mike McCullough Jr. near Navy tower R7 off the coast of Savannah.

McCullough, of Savannah, caught the 23-pound, 14.4-ounce African pompano using a four-ounce bucktail with live pogie. This is the first record for an African pompano, and the minimum size to be considered was 20 pounds. McCullough's catch was weighed by Sisson Scale and Equipment Co. of Savannah using a certified scale.

Earlier this month, the CRD announced a new men’s state saltwater gamefish record for mahi mahi, (Coryphaena hippurus), also known as dolphin fish, landed May 25, 2019, by Will Owens off the coast of Savannah in 700 feet of water. Owens’ catch ties Matthew Sheppard Jr.’s record from 1997.

Owens, 19, of St. Simons Island, caught the 67-pound, 9.6-ounce dolphin using a Moldcraft Chugger lure. The previous record was 67-pounds, 6-ounces. The Georgia Saltwater Gamefish Record Program requires catches to weigh at least 8 ounces more to beat a record. Those that do not meet that threshold are considered ties.

Owens’ catch was weighed at The Halfshell Restaurant on St. Simons Island using a certified scale.

McCullough and Owens will each receive a certificate acknowledging their record catches, and the records will be added to the list published at CoastalGaDNR.org/RecreationalFishing. The records will also be included in the 2020 Georgia Sport Fishing Regulations guide.

The current list of men's and women's saltwater fishing records, as well as information on how to submit a catch to the Georgia Saltwater Gamefish Record can be found at the same website. Applications should include color photographs. There are minimum weights for several species.

Anglers wishing to enter a fish for a new state record must have the fish weighed on a Georgia Department of Agriculture certified scale in the presence of at least one witness. Certified scales can be found at local seafood markets, grocery stores and agricultural supply stores. During business hours, anglers can have their catch weighed at the Coastal Regional Headquarters, One Conservation Way in Brunswick.

Top: Mike McCullough Jr. with his nearly 24 pound African pompano. Right: Will Owens with his dolphin fish, weighing over 67 pounds. Photos provided by GADNR