Hey there, anglers! You’re in for a treat because this week’s catches in both freshwater and saltwater are nothing short of jaw-dropping. From record-breaking muskies to acrobatic marlin, these stories remind us why we’re hooked on fishing.
Let’s dive into the details and see which side of the fishing world takes the crown this week. Grab your rod, hold onto your reel, and let’s go!
Freshwater Giants: The Week’s Most Impressive Catches
Record-Breaking Muskie on Lake Mille Lacs
Imagine this: You’re on Lake Mille Lacs in Minnesota, feeling the brisk October air, and boom—you land one of the biggest muskies in history. That’s exactly what went down for Art Weston, who, along with his fishing partner Nolan Sprengler, reeled in a jaw-dropping 54.33-inch muskie. This beast is so massive it’s set to become the new IGFA all-tackle world record!
Art’s no stranger to records, either. He’s a legend in the fishing community with 39 IGFA records to his name and a lifetime total of 79 records! But the best part? After measuring it up, Art released the muskie back into the lake. A true catch-and-release hero! This one’s a reminder of just how awe-inspiring freshwater fishing can be.
Goliath Tigerfish in Tanzania’s Wild Waters
Now, let’s take a little trip to Tanzania. Avid anglers know this spot for its stunning scenery and impressive fish, and @african_waters just posted a catch that lives up to the reputation. The featured fish is a Goliath Tigerfish, which is as fierce as it sounds! This species, famous for its size and razor-sharp teeth, puts up a fight that’ll make you sweat.
The catch, shared by Daniel Factor of xfactorangling, shows off just why the Goliath Tigerfish is one of Africa’s most coveted catches. With the African Big 5 wildlife looking on, it’s an experience that goes beyond fishing—this is about tackling one of the most powerful freshwater predators in an untouched paradise.
21-Inch Pickerel on Cattail Creek
Dedication knows no bounds, as angler Jack proved when he hit Cattail Creek with one arm in a cast and still managed to reel in a 21-inch pickerel! Now, if that doesn’t scream commitment, I don’t know what does. Jack’s grit is a reminder that sometimes it’s not just about the size of the fish, but the heart of the angler. Keep at it, Jack—you’re an inspiration!
Steelhead Bonanza in Salmon River, NY
Over in Pulaski, NY, anglers are reeling in steelhead and brown trout all along the Salmon River. Reports from the DSR indicate fantastic action, especially in the upper sections, where bank anglers have been landing beauties by float fishing, bottom bouncing, and side planner runs.
Egg sacs in vibrant blue, white, and pink have been the bait of choice, but steelhead aren’t picky when it comes to well-placed natural-looking eggs. The action is so hot that anglers are lining up to experience some of the best late-fall steelhead fishing in New York.
Striped Bass and Sturgeon in the Sacramento Delta
Though salmon season may be closed in the bay, California anglers have turned their attention to the Delta for striped bass and sturgeon action. The Sacramento Delta’s striper fishing is heating up, while the Klamath River is offering an early winter run for steelhead. And let’s not forget spotted bass season in Lake Oroville, where anglers are just kicking off their winter season. This variety of targets makes the California Delta a go-to spot for freshwater fishers looking for something new every week.
Saltwater Monsters: This Week’s Legendary Catches
Blue Marlin Surprise on a Small Rig
Down in Pensacola, Florida, Dylan Wier and Blaine Kenny of Coastal Worldwide took their single-engine center console boat a hundred miles offshore in search of yellowfin tuna—and ended up with a blue marlin!
These guys have built their reputation on beach shark fishing, but this offshore adventure proved to be unforgettable. After a slow start, they hooked a 300–350-pound blue marlin on lightweight gear—a small hook, small leader, and sixty-pound fluorocarbon.
This wasn’t just any marlin, either. This one put on a show! With Wier recording and Kenny battling the marlin, they captured footage that anglers dream about. The teamwork paid off when they got the fish boat-side, making the catch official before it broke free. Talk about an epic day on the water—this story is one for the books!
October Marathon Cod in Perfect Weather
Now for some saltwater action up north! A picture-perfect day off the coast brought a crew out for a marathon cod trip, and they hit their limit with some of the season’s biggest cod.
The prize catch was a 17.5-pounder hauled up by Bill Harding, one of the largest cod on record for the Bunny Clark this year. And with that weather, the day couldn’t have been better for a marathon on the water!
Striped Bass Fever in Point Pleasant Beach
On Wednesday, anglers aboard the Norma K III in Point Pleasant Beach got their hands on a hefty striper that’s got everyone talking. A fish like this doesn’t come around every day, and this catch embodies the thrill of fall saltwater fishing. Stripers like this remind us why Point Pleasant is a striper hot spot every year!
Grumpy’s Bait and Tackle Shout-Out
Over at Grumpy’s Bait and Tackle in Seaside Park, Mike Gajewski showed off a big bass caught on a diamond jig.
If you’re in the area, stop by Grumpy’s for all the best intel and maybe some inspiration for your own trophy catch. Hats off to Mike for reeling in one of the week’s top catches!
Boat Bass Success from Sea Bright
And last but certainly not least, the folks at Giglio’s Bait and Tackle in Sea Bright highlighted shop regular Nicole L. with a stunning bass she caught on a boat trip. Nothing beats the thrill of landing a big one, and Nicole’s fish was the talk of the shop.
Final Cast: Which Catches Won the Week?
So, who took the title this week? Was it the record-breaking muskie from Lake Mille Lacs or the surprise blue marlin off Pensacola? Freshwater showed us size and determination, with fish that pushed limits and anglers who showed incredible grit. Saltwater, though, came through with drama and epic fights on the open ocean.
One thing’s for sure—this week delivered unforgettable moments across both freshwater and saltwater. So whether you’re casting in a lake or trolling miles offshore, keep fishing, keep sharing, and who knows? Next week’s top catch could be yours!