Man breaks spearfishing record

A Bermudian has smashed his own world record for spearfishing black grouper.

Craig Copik caught the giant 100lb fish with a pole spear — breaking his previous record of 87.3lbs.

Now he’s been asked to write articles for two international spearfishing magazines since he made the catch.

Mr Copik said: “I’m over the moon — I’m a very keen free diver and I’m very happy with the catch.”

Now Mr Copik has written to the International Spear Fishing Association with the details to have his record confirmed.

He said: “I’m just waiting to hear back. It’s a big jump on my previous record, which was 86lbs before I claimed it.”

Mr Copik added the head and much of the body had been given to the Department of Fisheries for scientific research, while fillets from the huge fish had been donated to charity Meals on Wheels.

He said that fisheries experts would also be able to accurately age the fish.

He said Bermudian groupers grew to a large size because — unlike many places — fishing is strictly managed in Bermudian waters and there are no natural predators.

Mr Copik who works at the Rescue Coordination Centre, added: “As a result, they are a lot bigger here. They get overfished in a lot of places. In Florida, a fish of around 40lbs is a big deal.”

He added that, unlike other places where powerful spear guns are legal, Bermuda spearfishers use a more environmentally friendly pole spear — which is also more sporting.

Mr Copik — who is one of a handful of Bermuda free divers who have recorded depths of 100ft — said: “It a better method of fishing and it’s been going on for thousands of years.

“I used a tuna gun in Puerto Rico and you can shoot a fish from 20 feet away. With a pole spear, you have to be right next to the fish to catch it, so the advantage lies with the fish.”

Mr Copik caught the grouper on Tuesday at a spot around five miles north of Bailey’s Bay in around 35ft of water.

He has also taken 24 lionfish — a marine pest which preys on other fish — since last September.