Stone Fornes, a 12-year-old boy from Weston, Massachusetts, achieved a remarkable feat when he reeled in a massive white marlin off the coast of Nantucket on August 16. Fishing with angler Elliot Sudal, Fornes caught the 118.2-pound fish, potentially breaking a junior world record. According to the International Game Fish Association, the current record for a white marlin stands at 102 pounds, caught off Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts, in 2011.
In an interview with Fox News Digital, Fornes described the 90-minute battle he had with the marlin, characterizing it as an acrobat due to its agility. Sudal, who has been a captain on Nantucket for 12 years and works with various shark research organizations, praised Fornes’ skill and determination in catching the fish. He emphasized the difficulty of the process, from spotting the fish to getting it to eat a bait, and the technical precision required to keep the boat in the right position during the fight.
Describing the epic battle, Sudal mentioned how the marlin leaped out of the water several times, making it a challenging task for Fornes. He expressed gratitude to the fishing community for their support in transporting the fish and handling the necessary paperwork for the potential world record. Sudal acknowledged Fornes’ unique achievement, noting how most kids his age were occupied with electronic devices while Fornes was out making history in the world of fishing.
While Fornes usually releases most of the fish he catches, the white marlin was an exception. Working with local restaurant CRU Oyster Bar Nantucket, the fish was prepared and cooked for Fornes and his friends. Fornes explained that in order to confirm a world record, the fish needed to be kept and documented, leading to its consumption after careful measurements and scientific review were conducted.
Fornes’ parents, Don and Lauren Fornes, shared their pride in their son’s dedication to fishing. Describing the process as a learning experience, they highlighted how fishing had become more than just a hobby for Fornes. Both parents commended the efforts of the Nantucket community in supporting Fornes’ endeavor, from providing a certified scale to finding a scientist to confirm the species of the fish.
Reflecting on the impact of the experience on their son, Don and Lauren noted how Fornes had grown both personally and intellectually through the pursuit of his passion. Don emphasized Fornes’ concern for the future of fisheries and his commitment to sharing the catch with others in the community. The parents expressed confidence in Fornes’ ability to carve his path in life, foreseeing a future where he continued to excel in his endeavors.
As the process of confirming the world record typically takes four to six weeks, the International Game Fish Association representative explained the steps involved in reviewing and approving the record application. Meanwhile, a marlin recipe from CRU Oyster Bar on Nantucket was shared, providing a delicious way to savor the bounty of the sea with family and friends.
