A Georgia woman hauled in a whopper and reset the fishing record books during an excursion last month.
Lauren Harden, 21, caught a crevalle jack that tipped the scales at 33 lbs., 10.72 oz. while fishing at Cumberland Island on May 24.
“It is an important food fish and is also popular with sport fishermen because of its strength, speed and fighting spirit,” the Georgia Aquarium says.
The previous high-watermark for crevalle jack pulled from the water by a woman was 30 lbs., 6 oz., set by Ann Allen in 1981.
The male record was set by Lex Bazemore in 2001. His catch weighed in at 38 lbs., 8 oz.
“We are excited to congratulate Ms. Harden on this extraordinary achievement,” Tyler Jones, the public information officer for the Department of Natural Resources’ Coastal Resources Division, said in a statement. “Records like this inspire other anglers and showcase the diverse and thriving marine life in Georgia's coastal waters.”
While Harden’s record-breaking catch is impressive, her crevalle jack was not even half the size the species can grow to. Crevalle jacks can weigh up to 70 pounds when fully grown.