A remarkable feat unfolded off the coast of Nantucket on August 16, when 12-year-old Stone Fornes reeled in a massive white marlin weighing 118.2 pounds. This impressive catch, achieved while fishing with seasoned angler Elliot Sudal, may soon earn Fornes a coveted junior world record.
The current record for white marlin, set at 102 pounds off Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts, in 2011, is recognized by the International Game Fish Association (IGFA). Fornes’s catch, if verified, would significantly surpass this benchmark.
In an interview with Fox News Digital, Fornes recounted the grueling 90-minute battle to land the fish, describing the marlin as an “acrobat” for its remarkable agility.
Elliot Sudal, a veteran captain with 12 years of experience on Nantucket, lauded Fornes’s achievement, emphasizing the technical skill and endurance required to secure the catch. “It’s wildly impressive that Stone was able to catch this fish… from spotting it to getting it to eat a bait, let alone fighting it for an hour and a half,” Sudal remarked. “It was an epic battle, with the marlin jumping completely out of the water several times and super technical keeping the boat positioned correctly.”
Sudal also expressed his gratitude to the local fishing community for their support in transporting the fish and managing the complex paperwork required for the world record submission. “I feel like most 12-year-olds are playing on iPads, while [Stone’s] off catching world records,” Sudal added, noting the young angler’s newfound respect on the docks.
Although Fornes typically practices catch-and-release, the potential world record necessitated keeping the fish. With the assistance of CRU Oyster Bar Nantucket, the marlin was later cooked and enjoyed locally.
Don and Lauren Fornes, Stone’s parents, shared their pride in their son’s dedication to fishing. “He’s poured everything into this passion,” Don Fornes said. “And he’s learned that, some days, you come up short, but if you stay after it, you can eventually win big.”
The entire Nantucket team played a crucial role in preserving the fish, securing a certified scale, and enlisting a scientist to confirm the species. The IGFA representative confirmed that the record confirmation process typically takes four to six weeks. “Once received, the application will be pending and will enter the official review process,” the representative stated. “Once it has been reviewed, a decision will be made on the approval of the record.”
Stone Fornes’s extraordinary accomplishment not only highlights his passion for the sport but also underscores the enduring spirit of the fishing community that rallied to support this young angler in his pursuit of a world record.
Source: Fox News channel
