Big Fijian catch by Freedive Fiji of Pacific Harbour

Imagine holding your breath for three minutes while you are  30metres underwater and wrestling a 200 pound fish.

But not just any fish. This one is a sought-after fish by rod, reel anglers and spear-fishermen the world over.

In fact last Wednesday, the Freedive Fiji crew, of Pacific Harbour, set a new Fijian record after they captured a dogtooth tuna.

It was Jaga Crossingham, Freedive Fiji director, who caught the fish on a free dive and a single breath 30m underwater, while on a private charter.

He was with two spear-fishermen visiting our waters from Hawaii, Keenan and Tyson. The charter was captained by Ratu Wame.

He described the experience as “incredible”.

The catch weighed in at 93.45kg – the largest dogtooth tuna to be caught in Fijian waters.

The catch is a few kilograms short of the 109kg world record caught in French Polynesia last year.

Crossingham said he has seen enough dogtooth tuna in Fiji waters that would smash the world record.

What’s special about dogtooth tuna?

“The fish is the toughest in the ocean to try and stop due to their habitat and immense capabilities underwater, “ Crossingham said.

It’s described as a highly coveted prize by many European and Asian sports anglers. Large specimens are seldom found where there is significant fishing pressure.

Their habit of making high-speed downward runs when hooked, even on heavy tackle, often sees the line being cut as it contacts deep bottom structure. Sharks frequently mutilate both hooked and speared fish during the later stages of the fight, making it difficult to land them.

Crossingham had the same experience with sharks.

“There were sharks everywhere.”

On the Freedive Fiji Facebook page he said: “WOW, such a surreal experience being walled by these monsters ranging from 100 to 200lbs and then some.”

What does this record breaking catch mean for Fiji?

This would mean more dogtooth tuna hunters visiting our shores.

Crossingham said: “To land a Fiji record and a possible world record on our doorstep is great for tourism. It is a real boost – because people travel worldwide to find this fish.

“They are very highly sought-after spear fish and game fish around the world. People fly to the ends of the earth to find them.” Freedive Fiji

Feedback:  rosi.doviverata@fijisun.com.fj