A 12-year-old boy from Weston, Massachusetts, made headlines when he reeled in a massive white marlin off the coast of Nantucket on Aug. 16. Stone Fornes caught the 118.2-pound fish while fishing with angler Elliot Sudal, potentially breaking a junior world record. The current record for a white marlin is 102 pounds, caught off Martha’s Vineyard in 2011, as per the International Game Fish Association. Fornes described the 90-minute battle with the marlin as tough, as the fish was extremely acrobatic during the fight.
Sudal, who has been a captain on Nantucket for 12 years, works with various shark research organizations and was impressed by Fornes’ ability to catch the fish. He emphasized the technical aspect of the battle, with the marlin jumping out of the water several times and the importance of keeping the boat positioned correctly. Sudal expressed gratitude to the fishing community for their assistance in transporting the fish and handling the paperwork associated with the potential world record. Fornes, who usually releases most of what he catches, decided to keep and cook the marlin with the help of a local restaurant.
Fornes’ parents spoke of their son’s dedication to fishing and how he has learned important life lessons through pursuing his passion. They commended the efforts of the Nantucket team in helping Fornes achieve his potential world record catch. Fornes, who enjoys reading fishing reports and making friends with experienced fishermen, is not just focused on the catch but also on the future of fisheries. He is passionate about sharing the meat of the fish he keeps with the community in Nantucket. The entire experience has been transformative for Fornes, who has grown in unexpected ways through this process.
The confirmation process for the world record typically takes between four and six weeks, as stated by an International Game Fish Association representative. Upon approval of the record, Fornes’ achievement will be officially recognized. A recipe for cooking marlin provided by CRU Oyster Bar on Nantucket was shared, consisting of marlin steaks, a salad, and Persillade Stuffed Tomato. The restaurant cooked the massive fish for Fornes and his friends to enjoy after the measurements and scientific review were completed. Fornes’ parents are proud of their son’s accomplishments and look forward to how this experience will shape his future pursuits.
Fornes’ passion for fishing and his dedication to the sport have not gone unnoticed, with many expressing admiration for his focus and determination. Fornes himself sees fishing as more than just a hobby and is committed to the conservation of fisheries for future generations. The experience of catching a potential world record fish has taught Fornes valuable lessons about perseverance and the rewards of pursuing his dreams. Through his hard work and dedication, Fornes has set an example for others to follow, showing that with determination and effort, one can achieve something extraordinary.
Overall, Fornes’ record-breaking catch of the white marlin off the coast of Nantucket has garnered attention and praise from the fishing community. His dedication to the sport, conservation efforts, and willingness to share his achievements with others demonstrate his passion for fishing. The prospect of setting a new junior world record has been a transformative experience for Fornes, shaping his future pursuits and instilling important life lessons along the way. As his journey continues, Fornes serves as an inspiration for aspiring anglers and conservationists alike.
