Florida anglers set 18 saltwater fishing records in 2025, including 12 youth achievements
By Derrick Shaw
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FLORIDA (WBBH) — Anglers across Florida made waves this year with 18 new saltwater fishing records approved through the state’s official recognition program, driven largely by a standout showing from youth participants.
According to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, youth anglers claimed 12 of the records in 2025, while adult fishermen and women accounted for six. The program’s growth follows the addition of new Adult and Youth Length and Youth All-Tackle categories last year.
Among the adult accomplishments, Nathanial Campbell set an All-Tackle record with a 27.6-pound yellow jack caught while spearfishing.
Other adult standouts included Carl Caradonna’s 40-inch snook, which surpassed a previous record set earlier in the year, and Billy Ray Pierce’s 6.74-pound red porgy.
Renee Knight and Watson Eugene Wilson also earned length records for snook and red drum, respectively.
Youth standout Julia Bernstein was responsible for five of the 12 youth records, securing top catches in both length and all-tackle categories for species including permit, vermilion snapper and blackfin tuna. Her mutton snapper record, however, was topped later in the year by Jeremiah Pelequin II’s 15.7-pound catch.
The year ended with more shakeups in the Youth All-Tackle category, including Chase Curry’s 3.7-pound spotted seatrout, which bested an earlier record by Cash Ward.
Additional youth record-setters included Theo Zellers with a sheepshead, Harrison Farshid with a black sea bass, Carson Atcheson with a tripletail and Brandon Canedy with a Spanish mackerel.
“It has been so exciting to see anglers of all ages taking advantage of these opportunities in the Fishing Capital of the World,” said Jessica McCawley, director of the Division of Marine Fisheries Management. “The participation we have seen from both adults and youth setting these records really emphasizes the passion Florida has for fishing.”
Despite the banner year, officials said many categories remain open. There are currently two vacant Adult Length records and several Youth All-Tackle openings.
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