The Unbreakable: 5 Shocking Facts About The 160-Pound World Record Giant Trevally (GT)
The world record for the Giant Trevally (GT) stands as one of the most legendary and challenging feats in all of sport fishing, a record that has withstood the test of time, modern tackle, and relentless global pursuit for nearly two decades. As of today, December 25, 2025, the International Game Fish Association (IGFA) All-Tackle record for the colossal Caranx ignobilis, or GT, remains firmly held by a Japanese angler whose incredible catch defined the limits of Land-Based Game (LBG) fishing.
This isn't just a story about a big fish; it's a testament to human endurance, world-class angling skill, and a deep understanding of one of the ocean's most brutal fighters. The sheer magnitude of this 160-pound monster—and the unbelievable circumstances of its capture—cement its place as an almost mythical achievement, one that continues to challenge the world's most dedicated anglers and fuel the global chase for the next record-breaking 'Ulua'.
The Record Holder: Keiki Hamasaki's Biography and Catch Profile
The man who secured one of the most iconic saltwater fishing records is a testament to the dedication of Japanese anglers, particularly those focused on the demanding discipline of shore fishing. Keiki Hamasaki’s record-breaking catch is not just an IGFA entry; it's a piece of fishing folklore.
- Angler Name: Keiki Hamasaki
- Hometown/Origin: Kagoshima, Japan
- Fish Species: Giant Trevally (Caranx ignobilis)
- IGFA World Record Weight: 160 pounds, 7 ounces (72.8 kilograms)
- Date of Catch: May 22, 2006
- Location of Catch: Tokara Islands, Kagoshima, Japan
- Fishing Method: Land-Based Game (LBG) / Shore Fishing
- Fight Time: Approximately 1 hour
- Line Class: 80-pound tackle
- Record Status: Current IGFA All-Tackle World Record (Unbroken since 2006)
The Unbreakable Record: Why Hamasaki's GT Is a Legend
In the age of high-tech fishing boats, satellite imagery, and hyper-specialized tackle, it is astonishing that a record set in 2006 remains unbroken. What makes Keiki Hamasaki’s 160-pound, 7-ounce GT a feat of angling that has stood so long? The answer lies in the unique and punishing circumstances of the catch, particularly the fact that it was not caught from a boat.
1. The Land-Based Game (LBG) Feat
The most shocking and impressive detail of this world record is that Keiki Hamasaki landed the massive Giant Trevally from the shore, without the assistance of a boat. This instantly elevates the record from a great catch to an almost impossible one. When a GT strikes, its first run is a brutal, high-speed dash straight for the reef, rocks, or any structure that can cut the line. From a boat, an angler can chase the fish; from the shore, the angler is locked in place.
Hamasaki would have been forced to use sheer physical strength and impeccable rod-handling to turn a fish the size of a small refrigerator before it could reach the abrasive coral. The unforgiving nature of the Tokara Islands' volcanic rock formations and sharp coral would have made the one-hour fight a desperate, high-stakes tug-of-war against one of the ocean’s most powerful predators.
2. The Elusive Tokara Islands Location
The Tokara Islands, a chain of volcanic islands south of Kyushu, Japan, are a legendary, yet remote, destination for extreme saltwater fishing. This area is renowned for its deep, nutrient-rich currents that attract and sustain monster-sized game fish, including the largest GTs. The islands are exposed to harsh weather and heavy seas, making access and fishing challenging. The fact that Hamasaki was fishing here—a location known for producing true giants, including a recent 62kg (136lb) monster—confirms the quality of the fishing ground.
The Tokara region is a hotspot for Japanese Land-Based Game (LBG) anglers, a community known for developing some of the toughest, most specialized tackle in the world. This isolated, rugged environment is the perfect, yet most difficult, stage for a record-breaking catch.
3. The Battle of the 80-Pound Tackle
The IGFA record was achieved using 80-pound class tackle, a setup that emphasizes both power and skill. While modern GT anglers often use PE 10 or PE 12 braided line setups that can exceed 100 pounds of breaking strain, the 80-pound line class used by Hamasaki adds another layer of difficulty. The fight lasted approximately one hour, a grueling duration for a fish of this size, especially when fighting against the drag and the unforgiving terrain of the shore.
The lack of a boat means the angler must absorb the full shock of the GT's initial run, often using their body weight and the elasticity of the rod to prevent the line from snapping or the hooks from pulling. Hamasaki’s ability to successfully land a 160-pound fish on 80-pound gear from a fixed position is a masterclass in angling mechanics and physical endurance.
The Modern Pursuit: Why the Record Hasn't Fallen
Despite the massive growth in global GT fishing tourism, the development of ultra-powerful spinning reels (like the Shimano Stella and Daiwa Saltiga), and high-strength braided lines, the 160-pound barrier remains the ultimate goal. The fact that the record has not been broken in over 19 years speaks volumes about the rarity of a GT of this size and the difficulty of landing it.
The Rarity of the True 'Goliath' GT
Giant Trevally are apex predators, but reaching weights over 150 pounds (68 kg) is extremely rare. While GTs are known to grow up to 170 cm in length and 80 kg (176 lbs), documented catches of fish over the 160-pound mark are virtually nonexistent. Most world-class GT fishing operations in famous locations like the Maldives, Oman, and the Seychelles consider a 100-pound (45 kg) GT the fish of a lifetime. A 160-pound fish is a statistical anomaly, a true 'Goliath' that requires a perfect storm of location, timing, bait/lure, and luck.
The Catch-and-Release Factor
In modern sport fishing, especially for apex predators like the Giant Trevally, there is a strong global trend toward catch-and-release (C&R) to ensure the sustainability of the species. Many of the largest GTs caught today are quickly measured, photographed, and released to minimize stress and ensure their survival. This conservation-minded approach means that many potentially record-breaking fish are never weighed on certified scales, thus preserving the current IGFA record. The focus has shifted from weight records to length-based records, which allow for quick release and less harm to the fish.
Entities and LSI Keywords for the Ultimate GT Angler
To truly understand the magnitude of the world record, one must be familiar with the entities and concepts that define the pursuit of the Giant Trevally. These terms are essential for any serious angler chasing the next IGFA record.
- IGFA All-Tackle Record: The International Game Fish Association's highest standard for a specific species, based on weight.
- Land-Based Game (LBG): The extreme discipline of fishing for large pelagic species from the shore, requiring specialized gear and immense physical strength.
- Popping: A popular GT fishing technique using large, concave-faced surface lures (poppers) to create a loud 'pop' or splash that mimics a struggling baitfish, triggering a violent strike.
- Jigging: A technique involving dropping heavy metal lures (jigs) to the bottom and rapidly retrieving them to imitate a wounded or fleeing fish in deep water.
- Ulua: The Hawaiian name for the Giant Trevally, often used by anglers worldwide, particularly in the LBG community.
- Caranx Ignobilis: The scientific name for the Giant Trevally.
- Tokara Islands: The remote, volcanic Japanese archipelago known for producing world-class, record-sized GTs.
- Topwater Fishing: Any fishing technique using lures that work on the surface of the water, such as poppers and stickbaits.
- Braid Line (PE): High-strength polyethylene braided fishing line, essential for handling the immense drag and power of a GT.
- Coral Trout: A common bycatch species in GT territory, often targeted when GTs are not cooperating.
- Yellowfin Tuna: Another large pelagic species that shares the same deep-water hunting grounds as the GT in places like Tokara.
- Seychelles, Maldives, Oman: Premier global destinations for modern GT fishing expeditions.
Keiki Hamasaki’s 160-pound, 7-ounce Giant Trevally is more than a number; it is a monument to the spirit of extreme fishing. It stands as a constant reminder that sometimes, the greatest records are set not by the biggest boats or the latest technology, but by the sheer will and skill of a single angler battling a monster from the unyielding rock of the shore.
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