Aklavik fish could set new world record
James Blake catches huge loche during derby
Kassina Ryder
Northern News Services
Monday, November 28, 2016
AKLAVIK
An enormous loche caught during the Hannah Stewart Memorial Loche Derby could set a new world record, says a manager with the International Game Fish Association.
James Blake caught a 12.9 kilogram loche (also known as burbot) during the Hannah Stewart Memorial Loche Derby in Aklavik on Nov. 14. In addition to winning the derby's heaviest fish category, Blake's catch could be a new world record. - photo courtesy of Brandon McLeod
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Jack Vitek, IGFA outreach education manager, is also the organization's World Records co-ordinator.
He said if the loche James Blake caught during the derby is indeed 12.9 kilograms (27.91 pounds), then the previous record has been broken. The previous record is 11.4 kilograms (25.2 pounds).
"Once he sends in all that information, we will review it and as long as it checks out and meets our rules and requirements and everything, we will approve it as a new world record," Vitek said.
Blake, 23, caught the 12.9 kilogram fish on Nov. 14 just before giving up for the day.
He and two friends had just decided to start their truck and head home when the monstrous fish grabbed Blake's hook.
"We were actually just going to leave," he said. "That's when it bit my hook. I pulled it out just before we came back to town."
They immediately brought the fish to the derby's weighing station where it was weighed and measured.
"It was 27.91 pounds and it was 44 and a quarter inches long," Blake said.
In order to qualify for the record, Blake must submit an application to the organization's headquarters in Florida, including the tackle, the line and the leader, used to catch the fish, as well as photos, Vitek said.
"We don't require the fish to be sent in, we require it to be weighed on a certified scale, so he would have to provide that information on the application itself," he said.
Blake made his own aluminum hook to catch the fish, but Vitek said homemade hooks are permitted as long as their construction falls in line with regulations.
While he had spent much of his childhood fishing with his family, Blake said this is the first year he's returned to the sport.
He said the best time to catch loche is after dark.
"It's very rare you catch them during the day," he said. "Usually people go at nighttime."
If all is approved, Blake will receive a certificate from the IGFA commemorating his record.
In the meantime, Blake said he doesn't have any special tips to share with fellow anglers.
"I don't do any thing any different than anybody else," he said.
Blake also came in first place for the heaviest fish in this year's Hannah Stewart Memorial Loche Derby.
