Brian Summerlin, 38, reeled in a colossal sheepshead with eerily human-like teeth while fishing in Tangier Sound, off Maryland, leaving the angler and the fishing community astounded. The peculiar creature, notorious for its thieving habits and elusive nature, proved a challenging catch for Brian.
“The sheepshead are amazing fish that have adapted to the food they eat,” explained Brian. “They have front teeth that can bite off barnacles and molar-like teeth to crush crustaceans.”
What made this catch even more extraordinary was the monstrous size of the sheepshead, weighing a staggering 16.6lb. Brian’s catch obliterated the previous Maryland record of 14.1lb set in August 2020, showcasing an exceptional leap from the average sheepshead weight of 3 to 4lb.
The battle to haul the sheepshead from the depths of Tangier Sound was no small task, as these hard-fighting fish are known for their attempts to escape to underwater structures. Brian’s friend Kris offered crucial advice, preventing the line from snapping as the fish resisted capture.
Remarkably, the sheepshead already had a hook in its mouth, recognizable to Brian as the one lost just an hour prior when a fish broke his line. The catch was later officially weighed on certified scales at Kool Ice and Seafood Company in Cambridge, Maryland.
The record-breaking sheepshead is now officially recognized by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, securing its place in the annals of Chesapeake Bay Division history. Brian expressed his excitement, stating, “I always knew there was a possibility to break the record,” and added that his family enjoyed savoring the sheepshead, a favorite in their household.
This exceptional catch follows Todd Elder’s world record sheepshead catch in May, solidifying Maryland’s reputation as a hotspot for remarkable fishing achievements. Elder’s 17.4lb sheepshead set a spearfishing record, as acknowledged by the International Underwater Spearfishing Association.
Source: Dailymail UK