A 13‑year‑old from Hampton, New Hampshire, reeled in a 177‑pound Atlantic halibut during a deep‑sea fishing expedition, a catch that may potentially qualify as a world record.
At a Glance
- Jackson Denio caught the massive Atlantic halibut while fishing about 100 miles off the New England coast near Cashes Ledge.
- The fish outweighed Denio by nearly 60 pounds and was reeled in after a 30-minute solo fight.
- The catch is under review by the International Game Fish Association for possible junior and line-class records.
- Video documentation and gear specs were submitted as part of the record claim.
- The teen has expressed intent to continue fishing and possibly break his own record.
The Catch and Its Context
Jackson Denio was aboard an overnight charter operated by Al Gauron’s Deep Sea Fishing and Whale Watching when he landed the remarkable catch. The group was fishing roughly 100 miles off New England’s coast, near Cashes Ledge in the Gulf of Maine, when Denio followed the crew’s recommendation and dropped his line with a pollock bait. Moments later, he hooked into what would become a potential record-breaking Atlantic halibut.
The fish proved formidable, dragging the 5-foot-9, 120-pound teen into a 30-minute battle of endurance and technique. Denio refused any help and kept his hands on the rod the entire time. Captain Jim Walsh, who oversaw the trip, said the young angler remained calm and determined despite the challenge posed by the massive catch.
Watch now: New Hampshire Teen Catches Record‑Breaking 177‑Pound Halibut
Documenting a Potential World Record
After the fish was brought aboard, it was weighed at 177 pounds—surpassing the angler’s own weight by nearly 60 pounds. Denio and his family carefully documented the catch, including photos, video, and details of the rod, reel, and line used. This material was submitted to the International Game Fish Association (IGFA), the global authority on recreational angling records.
According to the IGFA, there is currently no listed record for Atlantic halibut in the junior male division, making Denio’s application a strong candidate for filling that category. Additionally, the submission is being reviewed under the line-class record tier, which assesses catches based on the strength of the fishing line used.
Future Ambitions and Community Impact
Denio’s catch has already garnered regional media attention and drawn praise from veteran anglers. The achievement has not only placed him on the IGFA’s radar but also inspired local interest in youth participation in sport fishing. Several charter companies along the New England coast have reported increased inquiries from families interested in deep-sea fishing experiences.
The teen, however, appears unfazed by the newfound attention. According to reports, he’s already setting his sights on even bigger fish—and possibly breaking his own record in the future. For now, he remains focused on school and fishing, balancing the spotlight with the simplicity of a sport he loves.
