The IGFA has added two fish to their list of eligible WR species: the Pacific Barracuda, and the Pacific Bluefin Tuna.

For most of us "old timers" in Southern California, the elevation of the Pacific Barracuda to gamefish status is long overdue. The Pacific Barracuda is a great fighter and strikes flies readily. It's one of the most popular coastal species in Southern California.

We've personally caught fish over 10lb on the long rod, and while those stovepipes have been lacking the last couple of seasons, there's no reason we won't see them again. They are a great opportunity for YOU to bag a world record!

The Pacific Bluefin Tuna is another interesting possibility. For many years, the assumption was that all Bluefin Tuna, even the onces we catch out here in California, were sub-species of the Atlantic Bluefin Tuna. Now, as a result of DNA testing, it has been determined that the Pacific Bluefin Tuna are, in fact, a separate species, and as such, eligible for separate consideration in the world records.

This is another area where BTB fly-fishermen have a decent shot at a world record, as the Bluefin Tuna we see in SoCal are a good size for handling on fly gear. On the other hand, they are notoriously skittish at times, so it might be a while before someone "cracks the code" on catching them in our neighborhood.

Go get'em!