It’s the catch of a lifetime for some fishermen in Manatee County.

While fishing about a mile off of Anna Maria Island this summer, Fishing Charter Captain Justin Moore, ABC Supply Company’s Drew Denick and Roy Joyce, and some other guests, caught a huge tarpon.

It’s believed to be the largest tarpon ever caught.

“That’s the biggest fish that I’ve ever heard of and I’ve ever seen in my lifetime,” said Moore.

The group was about to head back to shore when they spotted the big fish.

One of the anglers, Jan Toubl was fishing a threadfin herring on a 7/0 circle hook with 65-pound-test PowerPro line on a 9-foot Crowder custom rod and 8500 Fin-Nor Off Shore Series reel, when he felt the line tug.

“I told him to tighten the drag and horse him in,” Moore said. “Then I got my first look at him. I couldn’t believe the size of this fish! This monster of a tarpon did a sideways roll testing the line.”

After about an hour and 40 minutes into the fight, with all four clients taking their turn battling the tarpon, they were able to bring the enormous fish up close to the boat.

According to Moore, the fish measured 96 inches from its lip to the fork in the tail and 53 inches in girth. He estimates it weighed between 310 and 340 pounds.

This would shatter the current world record, a 289-pound fish caught in Africa in 2003, and the Florida state record of 243 pounds set in 1975. (The Fish Report by Rick Bach July 2013.)

“I’d never seen a fish that big,” Moore said. “It was a special thing for me. I would never have considered killing it. I hope to see it again someday.”

Instead of taking it on board to show off to everyone, the group released it.

No official record for Moore, only a personal best.

But the memory of this big catch lives on.

While on board, one of the men took video of the experience, proving this is no fish tale!

Ed Chiles, owner of the Sandbar, who heard the news and saw video of the big catch, recently hung up a replica of the big tarpon at his restaurant.

“I’ve fished tarpon on Anna Maria for 40 years and I’ve seen some really big fish, but this was different,” said Chiles. “I was delighted when I got a call from Justin asking if I would be interested in hanging the mount in our new dining room at the Sandbar.  We are honored to have what is likely the largest tarpon ever caught gracing our new dining room.  It’s another great story in the rich 100 year history of this spot.”

Chiles and Moore also have hope of seeing this big fish in person again one day soon.