Sea Monsters! The 14 Biggest Trophy Fish Ever Caught in Louisiana

Louisiana has many things to offer residents and tourists. If you enjoy fishing, Louisiana is the state for you to practice your favorite activity. This state has different types of bodies of water that harbor many species of fish such as saltwater, freshwater, lakes, rivers, brackish wetlands, and the Gulf of Mexico. Many anglers in Louisiana hold the title for capturing the largest specific fish species in the state. We won’t go through them all, but this article will list 14 of the largest fish caught in the state!

1. Bluefin Tuna-1,152 lbs

In May of 2003, an angler named, Ron Roland, caught a Bluefin tuna weighing 1,152 pounds 30 miles south of South Pass. This enormous fish can weigh up to 1,500 pounds and grow up to 10 feet long. Imagine the time this angler had reeled this fish in! The Bluefin tuna can dive deeper than 3,000 feet in the ocean and can speed and swim like a torpedo when hunting for prey. They feed on herrings, mackerels, and eels.

2. Mako Shark-1,149.50 lbs

The Mako shark, or the “Shortfin Mako,” lives in the gulf off the coast of Louisiana. This type of shark is caught for sport because of the fight it takes to reel this creature in. Angler Bill Walters is living proof of winning the fight with this incredible beast. In February of 2009, Bill Walters caught this beast 70 miles south of Fourchon, Louisiana. On average, the Mako shark can reach up to 1,100 pounds and grow up to 14 feet long.

“Fun fact: Mako sharks are the fastest type of shark in the world.”

3. Warsaw Grouper-383.13 lbs

The Warsaw Grouper typically swims over 200 feet deep around rocky bottoms. In July of 2017, JJ Tabor caught the largest Warsaw grouper in Louisiana. This fish usually grows up to 90 inches and weighs 580 pounds. The Warsaw grouper is dark reddish-brown to grayish-brown and their bellies have a faded lighter color.

4. Broadbill Swordfish-310lbs

In July of 1980, Thomas Dantin caught the largest Broadbill swordfish in the Mississippi Canyon of Louisiana. Although this date is long ago, this angler still holds the title of capturing the largest type of swordfish caught in Louisiana. This fast fish can reach 60 miles per hour in the water, so you can imagine what it is like reeling this fish in. They can reach over 1,000 pounds and grow up to 14 feet long.

“The Broadbill Swordfish have a lifespan of 9 years.”

5. Yellowfin Tuna-251 lbs

The Yellowfin tuna can grow up to 7 feet long and weigh up to 450 pounds. This tuna is torpedo-shaped with a blue back, yellow sides, and a silver belly. In October of 2012, the 251-pound Yellow tuna was caught by Elliot Sale, in western Delta, Louisiana.

6. Tarpon-246.63 lbs

Tarpons have a large mouth that points upwards allowing them to swallow their prey whole. The world record for this fish caught weighed 286 pounds. Angler David Prevost was close to beating that record by pulling in a 246-pound Tarpon in Louisiana. The Tarpon was caught in western Delta in October of 2015.

“Female Tarpons can lay up to 12 million eggs!”

7. Southern Stingray-192.25 lbs

John Acosta captured the largest-weighing Southern stingray in Caillou Boca, Louisiana in June of 2018. Female stingrays can grow up to 7 feet wide, whereas the males are up to 2.6 feet wide. The Southern stingrays are docile creatures that weigh up to 200 pounds. They are gray or black and have a white underside.

8. Alligator Gar-179 lbs

Alligator gars are interesting creatures that earned their name because their heads and teeth are similar to alligators. This fish can grow up to 10 feet long and can weigh over 300 pounds. Jimmy L. Thompson caught the largest Alligator gar, weighing in at 179 pounds. The gar was captured in the Red River of Louisiana in May of 1997.

9. Cobia- 149.75 lbs

The largest Cobia fish was captured by Garnett “Lucky” Caudell in Block 69 in 1965. Cobias can be found lurking around buoys, pilings, and wrecks in body waters. T

10. Greater Amberjack-140 lbs

In January of 2017, Chris Legrand caught a 140-pound Greater amberjack in Horseshoe Lump. This fish swims in tropical waters, the Atlantic Ocean, and the Gulf of Mexico. The Greater amberjack fish can grow up to 60 inches long and can weigh over 150 pounds.

11. Wahoo-139.25lbs

The Wahoo fish is a “prized game” fish because of its speed, fight, and amazing taste. Anglers that can catch this beast can have one fun fight on their hands. Myron J. Fischer caught a Wahoo on the western Delta Block 153 in April of 1976. This fish can weigh over 200 pounds and can swim 60 miles per hour.

12. Cubera Snapper-124.50 lbs

Marion Rose caught a Cubera snapper in the Garden Banks in June of 2007, weighing in at 124.50 pounds. This fish can weigh over 100 pounds and are seen in coastal waters near structures.

13. Blue Catfish-114 lbs

Angler Lawson Boyte holds the title of capturing the largest Blue catfish in Louisiana, weighing in at 114 pounds. Lawsome captured the catfish in March of 2014 in the Mississippi River in southeast Louisiana. This fish can grow up to 5 feet long and have a lifespan of 25 years. The catfish is native to the Mississippi, Missouri, and Rio River basins.

14. Flathead Catfish-95 lbs

In July of 2007, Roland Lasseigne caught a 95-pound Flathead catfish in Wax Lake. The largest Flathead catfish caught in the world weighed 123 pounds, so Roland was pretty close to beating that record.