PASS CHRISTIAN, Miss. (AP) - There’s a new state record in place in Mississippi for Yellowfin Tuna.
Michael McElroy III, of Hattiesburg, landed a fish weighing 236 pounds, 9.6 ounces (107 kilograms, 272 grams) last month. The state Commission on Marine Resources on Tuesday certified the catch as a state fishing record for the species using conventional tackle, the agency said in a news release. The previous record, set June 9, 2001, was held by Robert Landingham who caught a fish weighing 205 pounds, 12.8 ounces (93 kilograms, 363 grams).
Like many people, McElroy fishes to pass the time. His record catch came March 30, a few days before Gov. Tate Reeves ordered a shelter-in-place due to the coronavirus pandemic.
McElroy told The Sun Herald it took him 5 1/2 hours to land the fish.
“It’s the biggest keeping fish I’ve ever caught,” McElroy said.
But, he notes, there won’t be much for leftovers. “We’re eating a lot of it,” McElroy said, adding that he loves raw tuna.
He said he’s also shared some with family and friends.
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