World Record Tuna: The Largest Tuna Ever Caught

Tuna is a common sight on dinner tables across the US, but did you know these fish can grow to massive sizes? In this video we’re exploring just how big tuna can get by looking at the largest tuna ever caught, a record set by Ken Frazier in 1979, this colossal Atlantic bluefin tuna weighed 1496 lbs, a record that still stands today. Frazier’s remarkable catch took place off the coast of Nova Scotia. It took only 45 minutes to reel in the giant tuna after it took the bait, but even after 10 hours in the boat, it still weighed an astonishing 1496 lbs. This record is not just the biggest bluefin tuna ever documented, it’s also one of the most famous in fishing history. Other notable tuna catches have occurred near Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island, however, none have surpassed Frazier’s record. The largest bluefin tuna caught in recent times was a 1250 LB Monster in 2012 off the coast of Cape Cod, MA. Despite its impressive size, it doesn’t come close to matching Frazier’s legendary catch. Atlantic bluefin tuna are known for their incredible speed and strength. Able to dive over 3000 feet and travel across vast ocean distances, they live up to 50 years, giving them plenty of time to grow large. While they’re not yet endangered, overfishing and environmental threats like the Deepwater Horizon oil spill have raised concerns about their long term survival. Tuna come in many sizes, from the massive Atlantic bluefin to the smaller blackfin tuna used for bait in larger catches, with these overfishing environmental disasters posing threats. The importance of conservation efforts have never been clearer.