Logan, UT, USA – World-renowned fly manufacturer, Rainy’s® Flies, is proud to announce a new IGFA World Record fish has been caught using a Rainy’s fly.
Traveling world angler and multi-IGFA World Record holder Rich Hart has been confirmed as catching the largest freshwater fish on fly tackle. In early 2015 Rich traveled to Guyana, South America, and caught a world record, 415-pound Arapaima (Arapaima giga), the largest freshwater scaled fish on earth, using a Rainy’s Chuck-n-Duck Streamer on the Rewa River.
Angler Rich Hart and guide holding new world record Arapaima
“I have hooked and landed smaller Arapima before,” Hart said. “Only last year I was chasing fly tippet records for Himara and hooked into two, one over 300 lbs. I did not have the right fly rod, or flies with big enough and strong enough hooks to land it quickly and successfully. I also did not have scales that weigh a fish that big. So this year I came prepared. I brought a scale that could weigh up to 500 lbs. and flies I jokingly called ‘chicken flies’ with my local guides, they were that big! The fly of choice was the Rainy’s ‘Chuck-n-Duck’ streamer, over 5 inches in length, good baitfish colors, and extremely strong hooks, capable of holding these huge fish. They also have a good amount of ‘bulk’ and movement to trigger a bite.”
“After many days and hundreds of casts I finally got my shot. One afternoon the Arapaima turned on a feeding frenzy chasing baitfish and Peacock bass. One cast a few feet ahead, and a few feet to the left of where an Arapaima broke the surface, and the weight of a hungry ‘Monster Sized South American Musky’ pulled the line tighter than expected. These fish are large, powerful, and strong. The right equipment is essential as the fish jumps out of the water, to try and lose the hook. It normally jumps out four times, before being tired out. The fish tired quicker with each jump. After the fourth jump, my guides got into the water and caressed the Arapaima into a weighing sling.”
It only took 20 minutes to land the fish. Once weighed it was 415 lbs., breaking the current All Tackle Record by over 80 lbs. It also qualifies the fish for the largest freshwater fish ever caught on the fly.
All of Rainy’s Flies, including the Chuck-n-Duck and other big game flies, can be viewed on their website (www.rainysflies.com) and purchased at your local Rainy’s dealer.
