NJ Saltwater Fisherman Forums

NJ Saltwater Fishing Reports and Information => Helping Each Other Out => Topic started by: adesai73 on May 07, 2008, 03:50:26 PM

Title: weakfish world record broken?
Post by: adesai73 on May 07, 2008, 03:50:26 PM
saw on another board where someone pulled a 19lb - 12oz weakie from an unidentified NY spot.  picture, too.

Record catch for Jackson's Alu
Thursday, May 08, 2008
BY AL RISTORI

Dave Alu of Jackson was at the right place at the right time Tuesday night when he joined Capt. Rich Swisstack of Cliffwood for a beach fishing trip to Staten Island -- and ended up with a potential International Game Fish Association (IGFA) all-tackle, world-record weakfish of 19 pounds, 12 ounces.
Star-Ledger Staff
Swisstack and his Shore Catch Guide Service partner Capt. Dave Torrick of Clark were fishing an area that had been producing one or two tiderunners from 12 to 15 pounds each night for two weeks, but they were returning those spawn-laden weaks. Swisstack figured a big bass had been hooked on the bunker head being fished by Alu when he set up on the record weak around 2 a.m. The guide was shocked to see the longest and roundest weakfish ever within his grasp, but was still considering a release until the Boga Grip showed a bit over 19 pounds -- and he thought that might be in record range.

After driving back to Hazlet to weigh in at 19 3/4 pounds at The Tackle Box, and still not realizing it was a world record, Torrick checked the New York record on his computer and saw that Alu's weak was bigger than the 19-pound, 2-ounce standard caught by Dennis Rooney on Oct. 11, 1984, at Jones Inlet. Therefore, they drove back to New York to weigh in again at the same weight on the certified scale at Michael's Tackle in Great Kills.

Richard Swisstack Sr., an IGFA member, then informed his son that the all-tackle record was smaller than the weak they'd weighed in. As it turned out, the New York record was tied with another 19-pound, 2-ounce weak from New Jersey for the IGFA record. The latter weakfish was caught by William Thomas on May 10, 1989, in Delaware Bay. Alu's fish won't be official until all required paperwork is approved, but there shouldn't be any problems such as occurred with last summer's rejected world-record fluke entry. This time there were several witnesses, the fish was weighed on two certified scales -- and I'm sure it's being well-protected from raccoons and dogs.

Swisstack said they also caught six bass that night, three of which were more than 40 inches -- though his thin 41-incher only weighed 21 pounds.

(http://www.sportfishermen.com/images/gal/news-single-photos/swisswebfinal1.jpg)
Title: Re: weakfish world record broken?
Post by: Art Berkman on May 07, 2008, 03:52:42 PM
Yep Rich Swiss from Shore catch guided the angler.

The pic is Copyrighted therefore I will not post the pic.
Title: Re: weakfish world record broken?
Post by: adesai73 on May 07, 2008, 03:57:07 PM
The pic is Copyrighted therefore I will not post the pic.

that's what stopped me, too.  a quick google search will lead you to it, though.
Title: Re: weakfish world record broken?
Post by: IrishAyes on May 07, 2008, 04:11:44 PM
Thanks for the info Ash. Any controversy over the catch? I'm sure some misbeliever will have something to say. 

Kudos to the fortunate angler.  t^
Title: Re: weakfish world record broken?
Post by: adesai73 on May 07, 2008, 04:18:39 PM
Joe,

As of right now, I haven't read a single disparaging thing.  Everyone seems to be happy for the guy.  From what I can tell, Swiss has a solid reputation amongst those who have been doing this fishing thing a lot longer than I.  As long as they protect the weakie from raccoons, hopefully there won't be any controversy.  t^

ash
Title: Re: weakfish world record broken?
Post by: catfish hunter on May 07, 2008, 04:21:40 PM
there are some big girls around ,I saw 3 so far this week over 9 lbs
Title: Re: weakfish world record broken?
Post by: IrishAyes on May 07, 2008, 04:46:33 PM
 t^
Title: Re: weakfish world record broken?
Post by: Art Berkman on May 07, 2008, 04:53:29 PM
Rich Swiss is a class act and 1 of the best Guides around in my book.

The guy puts in his time and know's his stuff !

Title: Re: weakfish world record broken?
Post by: Luna Sea 5 on May 07, 2008, 05:02:35 PM
wow
Title: Re: weakfish world record broken?
Post by: Art Berkman on May 08, 2008, 08:17:49 AM
From todays Star Ledger.
 

Record catch for Jackson's Alu
Thursday, May 08, 2008
BY AL RISTORI

Dave Alu of Jackson was at the right place at the right time Tuesday night when he joined Capt. Rich Swisstack of Cliffwood for a beach fishing trip to Staten Island -- and ended up with a potential International Game Fish Association (IGFA) all-tackle, world-record weakfish of 19 pounds, 12 ounces.
Star-Ledger Staff
Swisstack and his Shore Catch Guide Service partner Capt. Dave Torrick of Clark were fishing an area that had been producing one or two tiderunners from 12 to 15 pounds each night for two weeks, but they were returning those spawn-laden weaks. Swisstack figured a big bass had been hooked on the bunker head being fished by Alu when he set up on the record weak around 2 a.m. The guide was shocked to see the longest and roundest weakfish ever within his grasp, but was still considering a release until the Boga Grip showed a bit over 19 pounds -- and he thought that might be in record range.

After driving back to Hazlet to weigh in at 19 3/4 pounds at The Tackle Box, and still not realizing it was a world record, Torrick checked the New York record on his computer and saw that Alu's weak was bigger than the 19-pound, 2-ounce standard caught by Dennis Rooney on Oct. 11, 1984, at Jones Inlet. Therefore, they drove back to New York to weigh in again at the same weight on the certified scale at Michael's Tackle in Great Kills.

Richard Swisstack Sr., an IGFA member, then informed his son that the all-tackle record was smaller than the weak they'd weighed in. As it turned out, the New York record was tied with another 19-pound, 2-ounce weak from New Jersey for the IGFA record. The latter weakfish was caught by William Thomas on May 10, 1989, in Delaware Bay. Alu's fish won't be official until all required paperwork is approved, but there shouldn't be any problems such as occurred with last summer's rejected world-record fluke entry. This time there were several witnesses, the fish was weighed on two certified scales -- and I'm sure it's being well-protected from raccoons and dogs.

Swisstack said they also caught six bass that night, three of which were more than 40 inches -- though his thin 41-incher only weighed 21 pounds.
 
Title: Re: weakfish world record broken?
Post by: CapBob on May 08, 2008, 08:43:47 AM
Great job........congrats to all...... slt chrz
Title: Re: weakfish world record broken?
Post by: IrishAyes on May 08, 2008, 12:44:11 PM
 t^
Title: Re: weakfish world record broken?
Post by: weakfishman on May 08, 2008, 12:44:44 PM
it's true.  i caught it.  many thanks to rich swisstack and shorecatch crew.  they are the best!

dave a.
Title: Re: weakfish world record broken?
Post by: Art Berkman on May 08, 2008, 12:47:56 PM
it's true.  i caught it.  many thanks to rich swisstack and shorecatch crew.  they are the best!

dave a.

Congrats !

Now what are you going to do for an encore ?
Title: Re: weakfish world record broken?
Post by: IrishAyes on May 08, 2008, 12:52:53 PM
Weakfishman, GREAT CATCH!!! I hope all goes well with the paperwork etc. Sounds like all the bases are covered with that. t^

I would like to welcome you to the site. Anything you can add, please do so. Any question, ask away. We are a friendly bunch here. All willing to share any info we may have.

Again, congrats on the fine catch.  t^
Title: Re: weakfish world record broken?
Post by: bassnblues on May 08, 2008, 12:54:44 PM
Nice job!!

You truly deserve your screen name t^
Title: Re: weakfish world record broken?
Post by: Hotrod on May 08, 2008, 01:04:18 PM
Welcome Dave to the site Dave...Nice Fish.  Any Pictures for this great Post.  Just hit the additional options text to up load
Title: Re: weakfish world record broken?
Post by: adesai73 on May 08, 2008, 01:13:27 PM
it's true.  i caught it.  many thanks to rich swisstack and shorecatch crew.  they are the best!

dave a.

Congrats!!!   slt  chrz  slt
Title: Re: weakfish world record broken?
Post by: hareball on May 08, 2008, 01:59:55 PM
Good job man t^
Title: Re: weakfish world record broken?
Post by: ped579 on May 08, 2008, 02:01:04 PM
Congratulations Dave, I have read reports on a different site (not to be mentioned) and the reports are a little sketchy.  Could you please elaborate on it for us. 

I have a feeling this year is going to be the year of broken records.  Big fish are coming in right on schedule and if I am not mistaken they are a lot bigger than they have been in the past few years.

Or maybe there are more being reported than usual.

Congrats again.

Happy Catching

Paul
Title: Re: weakfish world record broken?
Post by: kezsr on May 08, 2008, 02:43:42 PM
nice catch and I found the site with picture,awesome t^ t^
Title: Re: weakfish world record broken?
Post by: weakfishman on May 08, 2008, 04:00:22 PM
someone asked about my encore...my first son (3rd child) is due on May 18th, i can't wait until i can tell him this story and fish with him on that spot :-)

as for more on the catch...

rod = st. croix avid 10 ft.
reel = diawa emblem z
line = stren super braid 30 pound test
leader = suffix floro invisiline
hook = 9/0 gamakatsu hook
 
fresh bunker
 
the fight was awesome.  at times i could not reel.  hit like a bass, a big bump, i let her take it and then set the hook.  thought it was a bass with long freight train like runs, not the head shaking like a blue.  giant swirls on the surface so i knew it was a nice fish.  took me up the beach and then back down.

Title: Re: weakfish world record broken?
Post by: bowguide on May 08, 2008, 04:16:43 PM
congrats on a great catch TT^
Title: Re: weakfish world record broken?
Post by: Art Berkman on May 08, 2008, 04:23:06 PM
someone asked about my encore...my first son (3rd child) is due on May 18th, i can't wait until i can tell him this story and fish with him on that spot :-)

as for more on the catch...

rod = st. croix avid 10 ft.
reel = diawa emblem z
line = stren super braid 30 pound test
leader = suffix floro invisiline
hook = 9/0 gamakatsu hook
 
fresh bunker
 
the fight was awesome.  at times i could not reel.  hit like a bass, a big bump, i let her take it and then set the hook.  thought it was a bass with long freight train like runs, not the head shaking like a blue.  giant swirls on the surface so i knew it was a nice fish.  took me up the beach and then back down.



That be Me.

May 18th nice !

I was born on May 19th.

Once again congrats on your soon to be record catch !
Title: Re: weakfish world record broken?
Post by: red65 on May 08, 2008, 04:40:10 PM
Congrats!! t^ t^

Would love to see a Pic...
Title: Re: weakfish world record broken?
Post by: bassnblues on May 08, 2008, 04:45:07 PM
Are you going to get it mounted?
Title: Re: weakfish world record broken?
Post by: Bucktail on May 08, 2008, 05:41:46 PM
Awesome catch Dave!! t^ 

Can you post a pic?
Title: Re: weakfish world record broken?
Post by: wb on May 08, 2008, 05:59:12 PM
the fight was awesome.  at times i could not reel.  hit like a bass, a big bump, i let her take it and then set the hook.  thought it was a bass with long freight train like runs, not the head shaking like a blue.  giant swirls on the surface so i knew it was a nice fish.  took me up the beach and then back down.


Sweet description and congrats on the fish!
Title: Re: weakfish world record broken?
Post by: PeggyLee on May 08, 2008, 06:00:28 PM
Super job!!!Congrads well deserved.
Title: Re: weakfish world record broken?
Post by: kezsr on May 08, 2008, 07:17:20 PM
search shore catch guide and go to there message board and you can find picture
Title: Re: weakfish world record broken?
Post by: Hotrod on May 08, 2008, 07:53:50 PM
I'll link to the picture a post it in the first post..
Title: Re: weakfish world record broken?
Post by: Luna Sea 5 on May 08, 2008, 09:12:03 PM
wow, again
Title: Re: weakfish world record broken?
Post by: Last Call on May 08, 2008, 09:51:04 PM
That's incredable!  Good for you!
Title: Re: weakfish world record broken?
Post by: Duga on May 08, 2008, 11:10:31 PM
Captain Swiss had 2 customers on this trip - I was fisherman #2. We thought Dave was joking when he hooked up and started yelling about the reel being stuck. There was serious debate about keeping this beauty or taking a pic and releasing.  Dave was all set to let her go.
My first guided trip and what a blast! I had been to the 2007 Shore Catch Saltwater Workshop and was real impressed with the guides I met there.  They all love what they do and are eager to share their enthusiasm and tips.  When I told my wife I was going fishing with a guide she said "why do you have to pay somebody to find the ocean?" Now I know.

Doug Baumann
Title: Re: weakfish world record broken?
Post by: IrishAyes on May 08, 2008, 11:17:23 PM
Nice Duga. I bet it was a treat to see the fish finally hit land.

BTW, welcome to the site.  t^
Title: Re: weakfish world record broken?
Post by: ped579 on May 08, 2008, 11:22:15 PM
Good advise Dave.  I would take fishing with those guys an honor especially when there is a possible world record at steak.

Welcome aboard BTW.  Nice to have you aboard.  We are a great bunch of guys and gals that are willing to share what we have.  I look forward to your input and if there is anything you would like to ask feel free to do so. 

We pride our site as being the friendliest fishing site out there.

We can become addicting so be careful.

Happy Catching

Paul
Title: Re: weakfish world record broken?
Post by: weakfishman on May 09, 2008, 12:05:25 PM
guys for now go to http://shorecatch.com/wp/ to see a picture of the fish.  it will be on the cover of the fisherman magazine next week as well.

also, i would like to thank duga as he was standing in my spot for at least 2 hours before moving to my right (we switched positions) just before i caught this beauty. 

duga is a great guy and good fishing buddy.

thanks for moving over duga! :-)
Title: Re: weakfish world record broken?
Post by: Duga on May 10, 2008, 07:21:32 AM
Weakfishman, It's obvious you and that fish were destined to make history.  Besides, I  am not sure I could handle the media spotlight.  What with all the interviews and photo shoots. Word on the beach is the Today Show will be calling. Thanks for inviting me! t^
Title: Re: weakfish world record broken?
Post by: Duga on May 10, 2008, 07:29:18 AM
Nice Duga. I bet it was a treat to see the fish finally hit land.

BTW, welcome to the site.  t^

Nice to be here IrishAyes.  And yes, it was worth the price of admission just to be there and share the excitement. Besides, I caught some nice fish and learned a lot from Captains Swiss and Dave T.  My first real successful beach trip, and I have been getting lines wet for over 45 years!