biggest fish

Question
I am a senior at shaler area high school in pittsburgh, pa. my class and i are doing a study on questions that interest us. i was wondering what the biggets fish was that was ever caught by reel and rod in the ocean. if you could give me a size and weight of the fish id appreciate it.

Thanks,
Ryan Blobner

Answer
Hi Ryan;

 I am not trying to avoid answering your question, but it all depends upon what you consider a fish.  Do you include sharks?  Or just true boney fish?  

 World records for fish are kept by the IGFA (International Game Fish Association).

 I do not have the most recent statistics, but going back a few years, the Black Marlin, Blue Marlin and Bluefin Tuna have tended to swap top honors as new records were set.  These three fishes all have been caught at weights near and slightly inxcess of 1,500 pounds on rod and reel.

 Among the sharks, the Great White has been the all tackle record setter with weights in excess of 2,600 pounds.  

 Size measurments are not given in terms of length or girth, only weight is used for detemining world records.

 If you need more recent and exact numbers, the IGFA is the place to get these details.  

 I hope this is of help in your studies.  

-Rich