Lake Livingston, Texas — April 8, 2025
In a jaw-dropping feat of patience and precision, Kentucky fisherman Art Weston may have secured a new world record after reeling in a massive 7-foot-3-inch, 153-pound alligator gar from Lake Livingston in East Texas. The monster fish, caught using a mere 2-pound test line, is now in line to become the largest freshwater fish ever recorded on such ultra-light tackle.
Weston, an experienced angler with 80 world records to his name, was fishing alongside his trusted guide, Captain Kirk Kirkland, aboard their aptly named boat, the Garship Enterprise. The duo engaged in an intense, four-hour battle with the prehistoric predator. The gar stayed submerged 8 to 12 feet below the boat, often resting motionless on the lakebed, adding to the suspense and difficulty of the fight.
The catch tested not only skill but endurance. Weston and Kirkland followed the powerful fish for over two miles before finally managing to haul it aboard. After capturing measurements and photographic evidence, the two released the gar back into the lake alive, ensuring its survival and preserving the integrity of the ecosystem.
Pending confirmation from the International Game Fish Association (IGFA), the catch would mark Weston’s 81st official world record and further cement his dominance in the sport. He already holds multiple line-class records for alligator gar, including a 212-pound specimen caught on a 16-pound line in Choke Canyon, Texas, last year.
“This one pushed everything to the limit,” Weston said. “It was like reeling in a dinosaur.”
The alligator gar, often referred to as a “river monster,” is one of the largest freshwater fish species in North America, with origins tracing back nearly 100 million years. Known for its armored body and elongated snout filled with sharp teeth, it remains a challenging catch—even for seasoned anglers.
For now, the fishing world watches with anticipation as IGFA officials verify the details. If certified, this remarkable catch will go down not only as a triumph of technique but as a testament to the thrill of the sport.
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