Full Breakdown
California Fisherman Catches Potential Record-Setting Canary Rockfish
12/20/2025, 6:30:01 AM
Record-Breaking Catch
On December 16, 2025, Brendan Walsh, a 26-year-old fisherman from Mendocino County, California, caught a canary rockfish weighing 10.25 pounds (4.65 kilograms) off the coast of Albion. This catch is likely to set both state and world records, surpassing the previous California state record of 9 pounds, held by Cally Coombs since November 2024. Walsh was fishing with his father, Will Walsh, when he made the catch during a brief outing before winter storms made fishing difficult.
The Fishing Trip
Brendan Walsh had requested an early Christmas gift from his parents to enjoy one last fishing trip before the winter weather set in. On that day, despite rainy conditions, the ocean was calm, allowing them to venture out for a short time. Using a new jig he had received, Walsh caught the canary rockfish, which measured 2.25 feet (0.68 meters) in length. He described the catch as a "fluke," noting that he typically catches smaller fish averaging around 3 pounds (1.4 kilograms).
Verification Process
Following the catch, Walsh submitted the necessary documentation to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) for verification. He worked with Senior Environmental Scientist Brigitte Bondaux to ensure the weight and length were accurately recorded. The CDFW will review his submission and send a letter of acknowledgment confirming whether the catch qualifies as a new state record. Walsh also submitted his catch to the International Game Fish Association (IGFA) for consideration as a world record, as it exceeds the previous record of 10 pounds set in 1986.
Family Celebration
After verifying the measurements, Walsh's family celebrated the catch by preparing the fish for dinner, which he described as "delicious." His family, including his mother Deirdre Lamb and grandfather Bill, expressed excitement over what Walsh has affectionately termed his "Christmas fish." He plans to have a replica made to commemorate the achievement.
Official Statements & Responses
Brendan Walsh expressed confidence in the legitimacy of his catch, stating, “I’m confident of the state record.” He has taken numerous photographs of the fish and is eager to see the official recognition from the CDFW and IGFA.
Criticism & Opposition
While there is no direct criticism reported regarding Walsh's catch, the process of record verification can sometimes lead to scrutiny, particularly regarding the accuracy of measurements and the potential for larger fish to have been caught but not submitted for record consideration.
What's Next
Walsh awaits confirmation from the CDFW regarding the state record and from the IGFA for the world record. The outcome of these submissions will determine if his catch is officially recognized in fishing history.
