Fisherman probably catches world record yellowfin tuna off the coast of Southern California

North Carolina fisherman Earl Gill IV was among a group of 26 anglers who enjoyed a 10-day long-distance fishing trip aboard the “Excel” boat in mid-November. The 30-meter long boat of experienced captain Justin Fleck is known for catching oversized tuna, among other things. But when Gill hooked a particularly large and deep-running tuna while “biting” fishing, the entire crew took notice.

Gill was fishing in 50 meters of water on November 11 when he hooked the fish. He fought the tuna from the stern of the boat using a rail-style rod with an Okuma Makaira 20 2-speed reel spooled with 100-pound-test line. After a persistent and tiring fight that stripped almost all the line from his Okuma reel, Gill worked the tuna to the surface, and was eventually towed aboard the Excel.

The boat scales indicated the fish weighed 448 pounds, which would break the IGFA all-tackle record of 417 pounds. However, the Excel was only halfway through its planned 10-day journey. So the tuna had to be refrigerated, which certainly caused it to lose a few pounds before it could be officially weighed on certified scales on shore.

Captain Fleck posted about the catch on the Excel Facebook page as the boat returned to San Diego.

“Only four other yellowfin tuna weighing over 400 pounds have been caught on rod and reel,” he wrote. “It's a great achievement. Every now and then we are amazed at the sheer size of a catch, and we love that Earl lands the fish of a lifetime. We can't wait to see if this one sets a new IGFA record.”

Jason Gross is manager of the Excel fishing boat and witnessed the fish being weighed on shore.

“On certified scales on land, Earl's yellowfin tuna weighed 443 pounds,” says Gross Outdoor living. “It was certainly a special fish, with a length of 230 cm and a girth of 180 cm.”

Gross says that after weighing and measuring, the tuna was taken to a food processor because yellowfin tuna is a prized table dish. He says Gill is going through the standard IGFA paperwork to submit his catch as a record to the Florida-based organization.

If certified by the IGFA, it would break the current all-tackle record for yellowfin tuna. That fish weighed 427 pounds and was caught in 2012 near Cabo San Lucas, Mexico by fisherman Guy Yocom. Some questions have been raised about Gill's capture due to the length of the long-distance journey and the equipment used. However, Gross says Gill owns the equipment he used. Furthermore, his father (who was also on the boat) is an experienced and experienced “Excel” fisherman.

Capt. Jeremiah Sapp, who was a crew member aboard the Excel when Gill caught his tuna, reports that the fisherman used only a shoulder harness to fight the yellowfin tuna and not the boat's “rail” for leverage. That is an important detail to ensure that the catch qualifies for IGFA. Using a boat rail for support would disqualify the catch for IGFA inclusion. A shoulder harness is IGFA approved.

Read next: The Greatest Tuna of All Time

It seems likely that Gill's capture will be approved by the IGFA after the paperwork is reviewed by the organization, which should happen shortly. Gill was amazed when he caught such a huge yellowfin tuna, when he didn't have to warm up for smaller ones.

“I think there are a lot of things lining up to help me land this fish,” he said.

The best deals on outdoor gear gifts

After field-testing the best gear all year long, we know exactly what should be on your shopping list. See the best performing outdoor products and the best deals available.