Jackson Denio, a 13-year-old from Hampton, New Hampshire, has potentially set a world record by catching a massive 177-pound Atlantic halibut during a deep-sea fishing trip. The catch, which occurred on Monday, September 2, 2025, has garnered widespread attention for its size and the young angler’s skill, with reports emerging within the last 24 hours.
Denio was on an overnight charter expedition with approximately 30 others, fishing about 100 miles off the New England coast at Cashes Ledge, a biodiverse area in the Gulf of Maine. After initially expressing interest in catching a shark, the crew advised him to try bottom fishing instead, using pollack as bait. Moments after dropping his hook, he felt a powerful strike and knew he had hooked something substantial, leading to an intense struggle.
The battle to reel in the halibut lasted about 30 minutes, with the fish repeatedly diving deep and resisting capture. Denio, who is 5 feet 9 inches tall and weighs around 120 pounds, maintained his grip on the rod without assistance, cheered on by fellow passengers and the crew. His excitement was palpable; he later recalled screaming in astonishment at the realization of the catch’s size.
Captain Jim Walsh, who oversaw the trip, praised Denio’s composure and determination, noting that the teenager handled the situation expertly and never let anyone else take over. The halibut, once brought to the surface, astonished everyone with its weight, outweighing Denio by nearly 60 pounds and highlighting the physical challenge involved.
After the catch, the fish was officially weighed and thoroughly documented with photographs and videos to support a record application. Denio’s family is preparing to submit the details to the International Game Fish Association for consideration in the junior angler category for Atlantic halibut, as well as the all-tackle division, which includes anglers of all ages.
This event underscores the thrill and unpredictability of sport fishing, demonstrating that young enthusiasts can achieve extraordinary feats with patience and skill. Denio’s accomplishment has captured the imagination of the fishing community and may inspire others to pursue similar adventures. The outcome of the record application is eagerly awaited, potentially cementing this as a historic moment in angling.