US teen lands monster 80kg fish that could be a world record

A 13-year-old from New Hampshire has landed an 80 kilogram Atlantic halibut that weighed more than he does and may qualify as a world record.

Jackson Denio was fishing about 161 kilometres off the New England coast on Cashes Ledge during an overnight charter trip when the fish took his line. He weighs around 54 kilograms and stands 1.75 metres tall, making the halibut both taller and heavier than its captor.

Denio said he thinks he screamed, and admitted he is not entirely sure what happened in the moments that followed beyond being very excited.

The boat had spent the day catching pollock before the halibut appeared, and the crew required a coordinated effort to bring it aboard. Record verification is now with the relevant angling authorities.