Ocean Giants Caught by Anglers in the US
Top 10 Species
These are the fish that get noticed by FishyAF anglers. Click any species to deep dive and learn more.
1
Bluefin Tuna
Verified
World Record
1,496 lb 0 oz
Ken Fraser / 1979
Aulds Cove, Nova Scotia
Ken Fraser / 1979
Aulds Cove, Nova Scotia
Signature Fact
Bluefin run a built‑in furnace, keeping muscles, eyes, and brain up to 20°C warmer than seawater.
2
Blue Marlin
Verified
World Record
1,402 lb 2 oz
Jay de Beaubien / 1970
Kona, Hawaii
Jay de Beaubien / 1970
Kona, Hawaii
Signature Fact
Their eyes and brain run on built-in heaters, staying up to 14°C warmer than the water.
3
Yellowfin Tuna
Verified
World Record
388 lb 12 oz
Guy Yocom / 2012
Cabo San Lucas, Mexico
Guy Yocom / 2012
Cabo San Lucas, Mexico
Signature Fact
Those neon finlets aren't for show-they're adjustable vortex generators that feed the tail extra thrust at speed.
4
Wahoo
Learn More Here Verified Catch
World Record
184 lb 2 oz
Sara Hayward / 2005
Cabo San Lucas, Mexico
Sara Hayward / 2005
Cabo San Lucas, Mexico
Signature Fact
Its electric-blue racing stripes switch on in seconds when fired up, then fade like disappearing ink after capture.
5
Swordfish
Learn More Here Verified Catch
World Record
1182 lb
Lou Marron / 1953
Iquique, Chile
Lou Marron / 1953
Iquique, Chile
Signature Fact
Swordfish can heat their eyes and brain up to 15 F above surrounding water for razor sharp vision.
6
Goliath Grouper
Learn More Here Verified Catch
World Record
680 lb 0 oz
Lynn Joyner / 1961
Fernandina Beach, Florida
Lynn Joyner / 1961
Fernandina Beach, Florida
Signature Fact
It "booms" like a subwoofer-swim-bladder muscles thump so hard divers feel it in their ribs.
7
Hammerhead Shark
Learn More Here Verified Catch
World Record
991 lb 0 oz
Alfred C. Glassell Jr. / 1945
Cabo Blanco, Peru
Alfred C. Glassell Jr. / 1945
Cabo Blanco, Peru
Signature Fact
Daytime aggregations can exceed 1,000 sharks, stacking nose-to-tail like traffic in a hammerhead high-rise.
8
Mako Shark
Species Guide Coming Soon
World Record
—
Signature Fact
More details coming soon.
9
Thresher Shark
Species Guide Coming Soon
World Record
—
Signature Fact
More details coming soon.
10
Giant Sea Bass
Species Guide Coming Soon
World Record
—
Signature Fact
More details coming soon.
FAQs
What are the biggest ocean fish caught in the US?
Bluefin tuna, marlin, sailfish, and large sharks are among the biggest ocean fish caught by anglers in US waters.
Where can you catch giant fish in the US?
Offshore waters along the Atlantic, Pacific, and Gulf coasts are prime areas for targeting large saltwater species.
Do you need special gear to catch ocean giants?
Yes. Heavy-duty rods, reels, and tackle are typically required to handle the size and power of these fish.
Are these fish difficult to catch?
Most are extremely challenging due to their strength, speed, and the conditions required to target them.
What makes a fish an ocean giant?
Size, weight, power, and the difficulty of landing the fish all contribute to what anglers consider an ocean giant.
