Off the coast of Nova Scotia, a 13-year-old girl has set a new world record for tuna fishing during the 22nd annual Wedgeport Tuna Tournament and Festival. Délynn Jacquard reeled in a massive 711-pound catch aboard the Pelagic Predator, potentially securing the International Game Fish Association female junior world record.
This achievement surpasses the previous record of 618 pounds set 12 years ago. Jacquard, reflecting on her accomplishment, shared that she initially doubted herself but felt proud after successfully landing the tuna in just over an hour of intense effort.
Captained by Délynn’s father, Camille Jacquard, the Pelagic Predator has been a fixture in the tournament for about two decades. Despite her remarkable success, Délynn remains uncertain about her participation in future tournaments.
Brandon Doucette, a tournament board member, anticipates that it may take up to six months for the record to be officially recognized. He noted that the Wedgeport tournament’s weight calculations differ from the IGFA standards, with Jacquard’s tuna weighing 711 pounds in its fresh state and 635 pounds after partial gutting.
The 2026 tournament has seen multiple records broken, with another vessel, the Lucas & Noah, landing an 801-pound bluefin tuna, the heaviest catch in the event’s history. Doucette emphasized the community’s rich fishing heritage, with Wedgeport holding a historical reputation as a global hub for big-game fishing.
All catches at the tournament fall within the commercial quota regulations, ensuring that the thousands of pounds of tuna caught will find their way to local plates. The event not only celebrates record-breaking achievements but also serves as a reminder of the region’s longstanding fishing traditions and cultural significance.
