Multiple records were made after Houston man David L. Essingler caught an 884-pound bluefin tuna in the Gulf of Mexico off the coast of Texas last year.
It was not only the heaviest bluefin tuna ever caught in the state of Texas, it was the heaviest CATCH period in all of 2025.
NOT an April Fool's, y'all.
This 884-pound Blue Fin Tuna set a new state record.
Check out 2025's record-setting catches at https://t.co/DLpVROKIgL pic.twitter.com/XGs9B2n2NS
— Texas Parks & Wildlife (@TPWDnews) April 1, 2026
According to the Houston Chronicle, in total anglers set 44 state records last year plus 470 waterbody records.
David Breth, TPWD Angler Recognition Program coordinator, said in a statement, “As an avid angler and new Texas resident, it is awesome to see the fishing opportunities available in this state.
"Through processing these applications and talking with the anglers, I have learned so much about the lakes and rivers here and am excited to fish them.”
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