Texas is home to some of the biggest fish ever caught, from ocean predators to freshwater giants. But with new deregulations allowing certain species to grow unchecked, the next record-breaking catch might be even bigger. Let’s have a look at some of the most jaw-dropping fish ever pulled from Texas waters—and the giants lurking below.
A 1,129-pound Tiger Shark
Ever heard of a catch the size of a small bedroom? That’s exactly what Chap Cain III did in 1992 when he landed a 1,129-pound tiger shark. Stretching 13.5 feet long, this massive predator dominated Texas waters. The incident raises questions about the potential for even larger sharks to be caught in the future, particularly in light of looser fishing regulations.
A 1,033-Pound Hammerhead
The hammer-shaped head isn’t just for looks—it gives this shark an edge in hunting. In 2017, Timothy W. McClellan caught a 1,033-pound great hammerhead, one of the largest ever recorded. At over 14 feet long, this ocean giant proves that Texas waters are full of monsters waiting to be found.
A 972-Pound Blue Marlin
Catching a blue marlin is a challenging feat, especially when attempting to catch a particularly large specimen, such as a 972-pounder. In 2014, Richard Richardson Jr. successfully accomplished this remarkable feat, going head-to-head with one of the ocean’s fastest fish. Blue marlins are known for their impressive speed, capable of reaching up to 60 mph (97 km/h), which contributes to their reputation as one of the most difficult and formidable catches in Texas fishing history.
A Nine-Hour Fight for an 876-Pound Bluefin Tuna
In many fishing scenarios, catches are typically made within a few minutes. However, in 2021, angler Troy Lancaster successfully dedicated an impressive nine hours to reel an 876-pound bluefin tuna. This species is particularly prized, with individual fish fetching prices in the hundreds of thousands of dollars. With potential regulatory changes, Texas anglers may soon have the opportunity to encounter even larger tuna in Gulf waters.
An 844-pound Shark Caught By A 13-year-old
Off the coast of Port Aransas, 13-year-old Micah Harless made a catch most fishermen only dream of—an 844-pound tiger shark. During a 36-hour offshore trip, the young angler battled the 11.6-foot predator, finally bringing it aboard. Captured on video, Dolphin Dock employees hoisted the massive shark for an official weigh-in. As for the catch? Some for the family, the rest donated—a fishing tale for the ages.
The 736-pound Largetooth Sawfish
Certain fish exhibit a prehistoric appearance; one notable example is the largetooth sawfish. In 1939, Gus Pangarakis caught a remarkable 736-pound specimen of this species, which is characterized by its elongated, serrated snout. Historically, large-tooth sawfish were prevalent in Texas waters; however, they have not been observed in U.S. waters for more than 50 years. This raises the question of whether there is a possibility for their resurgence in the region.
A 121-pound Catfish
Lake Texoma is one of the hotspots in Texas for sizeable blue catfish. In 2004, Cody Mullenix caught a 121.5-pound catfish, the largest in Texas. These freshwater fish can live for many years, and future catches could be even larger in good conditions.
A 98-Pound Flathead
Patience is crucial when fishing for flathead catfish. In 1998, James Laster caught a huge one weighing 98.5 pounds in Lake Palestine. These catfish stay still for hours, waiting for the right moment to strike. If they keep growing, how big can they become?
The 90-pound Bighead Carp
Bighead carp don’t belong in Texas, but they’re taking over. In 2000, Timothy Connor caught a 90-pounder in Kirby Lake. These fish grow fast, eat everything, and compete with native species. If left unchecked, could we see a 100-pound carp or even bigger dominating Texas waters?
An 82-Pound Buffalo
It looks like a carp but belongs to the sucker family. In 1993, Randy Collins pulled an 82.22-pound smallmouth buffalo from Lake Athens. Nearly 25 years later, Tom Sherman came close with an 81-pound catch. With record weights creeping higher, Texas anglers might not have seen the biggest buffalo yet.
Texas Waters Are Changing—And Fast
Looser fishing regulations in some areas are reshaping Texas waters. Experts predict that invasive species like alligator gar and carp could grow up to five times their usual size. While the sound of catching bigger fish might sound exciting, their explosive growth threatens native species and disrupts delicate ecosystems. Could Texas be heading for an ecological showdown?
The Future of Texas Fishing Hangs in the Balance
Record-breaking catches thrill anglers, but deregulation comes with a price. If invasive fish continue to grow unchecked, they could outcompete native species and reshape entire fisheries. The solution? A balance between conservation, responsible fishing, and habitat protection—because Texas waters aren’t just about big fish; they’re about keeping the ecosystem thriving.
