Could This Be the Largest Yellowfin Tuna Ever Caught on Rod and Reel?

New World Record Yellowfin?

As another incredible season continues along the West Coast, Excel Sportfishing radioed in with what could potentially be the largest Yellowfin Tuna ever caught on a rod and reel. An incredible 448-Pound Yellowfin caught by Earl Gill IV while fishing the chunk on an Okuma Makaira 20 on the recent 10-Day Merritt trip. Yes, you read that right…a Makaira 20! This is HUGE news!

This fish is Impressive!

Press Release by Okuma Fishing Tackle

Aboard the long-range sportfishing vessel Excel, on a 10-Day Trip out of San Diego, California, an angler has possibly made history by hooking and landing a massive 448-pound yellowfin tuna – a fish that could set a new IGFA world record. This jaw-dropping catch, potentially surpassing the current record by a few pounds, was powered by Okuma’s Makaira 20 Size 2-speed Lever Drag Reel – a reel designed for record-breaking battles. 

The yellowfin tuna, caught by angler, Earl Gill IV, was hooked using chunk bait on 100-pound test. The angler relied on a shoulder harness to endure the intense, hours-long fight to bring this giant aboard. The fish is now causing a wave of excitement as the Excel heads back to San Diego, where it will be weighed on an IGFA-certified scale to confirm its world-record potential Saturday morning. Guy Yocom holds the International Game Fish Association (IGFA) record for the largest yellowfin tuna caught using all-tackle gear at 427-lbs. The fishing community is buzzing with anticipation, eager to see if history will be made. 

“Here on the Excel, our mission is to put our anglers on the biggest fish in the ocean, but every now and then, we’re astonished by the sheer size of a catch,” said Justin Fleck, Owner and Captain of the Excel. “We’re thrilled for Earl to reel in the fish of a lifetime and can’t wait to see if it sets a new IGFA record ” 

The giant yellowfin was caught using Okuma’s flagship Makaira Black model, featuring a silver-etched yellowfin tuna on its matte black frame. The Makaira continues to live up to its legendary reputation for toughness and raw power, built for exactly these kinds of epic showdowns. Upon their return, the Makaira could go down as the reel that helped land the largest yellowfin tuna ever caught on rod and reel. 

“Okuma Fishing Tackle is proud to have played a role in this legendary catch. Said Michelle Gandola, Director of Marketing for Okuma. Since 1986, Okuma Fishing USA has been dedicated to creating precision-engineered fishing gear that empowers anglers to live out unforgettable moments on the water. The Makaira series embodies our commitment to quality – combining the finest materials with thoughtful design to help anglers tackle the fiercest game fish.” 

For more on Okuma’s Makaira reels and our full lineup, visit www.okumafishingusa.com. 

Stay tuned to Fishing Tackle Insider.