Historic Recored Set on Billy Pate Tarpon Reel

It’s a official!! The International Gamefish Association (IGFA) has confirmed that Richard Hart from Orlando Florida has made angling history by catching the largest freshwater world record using IGFA compliant fly tackle. Richard caught AND released a 415 lb. 8 oz. Arapamia in the jungles of Guyana this past February using his Billy Pate Anti-Reverse Tarpon Reel. Thank you everyone at Tibor for sharing the news with us.

Deep in the jungles of Guyana – angler Richard Hart made angling history by landing a 188.46 kg (415 lb 8 oz) arapaima (Arapaima gigas) using IGFA compliant fly tackle. Not only has the catch earned Hart the new All-Tackle world record – which previously stood at 154 kg (339 lb 8 oz) – but his catch is also the heaviest freshwater World Record ever taken with fly tackle. Hart needed only 30 minutes to subdue the fish, after it took the streamer pattern fly he was casting. Once landed, Hart and local guides worked quickly to safely document the fish. Utilizing a basic pully system, a sling, heavy rope and a nearby tree, they were able to accurately document the weight on Hart’s certified scale.

Including this new world record, Tibor Reel Corporation holds more than 850 Fly Fishing World Records – more than any other fly fishing reel manufacturer world-wide.

A family-owned business, Tibor (pronounced TEE-bor) Reel Corporation has been the world leader in the design and manufacture of the highest quality fly fishing reels for over 39 years. After escaping Soviet controlled Hungary and immigrating to the U.S. in 1958, master machinist, fisherman and founder, Ted “Tibor” Juracsik developed the legendary Billy Pate Fly Reel in 1976 which established new standards of quality, design, and durability for saltwater fly reels. In 1995, the internationally acclaimed line of Tibor Reels was launched, followed by the Tibor Light, and The Tibor Signature Series.

The Juracsik family is proud their products are 100% “Made and assembled in the USA” and carry a lifetime warranty. With the exception of the ball bearings, every part of every reel is precision machined and hand assembled in their Delray Beach, Florida facility. Ted’s design philosophy is based on simplicity and functionality and goes back to his days as a young apprentice in Hungary. “The old masters always told me the most beautiful machines have the least moving parts,” he says.

Juracsik says, “Making a quality product in an age when American manufacturing is under siege is a great source of pride for us. Although we are extremely proud of our world record achievements, our greatest reward comes from knowing that our reels are built to last and are often passed down from generation to generation.”