Va. Man Catches World-Record-Breaking 'Frankenfish'

A fisherman in Virginia has officially reeled in the the biggest northern snakehead ever caught according to the International Game Fish Association (IGFA).

Jack Vitek, world-record coordinator for the Florida-based IGFA, told the The Free Lance Star of Virginia Monday that the organization confirmed the 17 pound, 6 ounce northern snakehead as the largest ever caught with hook and line in the world.

Caleb Newton, a plumber and weekend fishing enthusiast, caught the snakehead, sometimes known as "Frankenfish," on June 1 during a fishing tournament. For more than two months Newton waited for the official word on the giant fish.

"I knew it was a good fish, but I didn't know how good," the 27-year-old said to the Washington Times in June.

Newton's record catch bested the previous world record for a northern snakehead -- set in 2004 in Japan -- by 2 ounces.

Newton told the Times this week that he expects Virginia officials will also confirm that his catch is the largest in the state.

In addition to netting the record for largest northern snakehead ever caught with a hook and line, Newton also earned an IGFA record for a snakehead catch using a 20-pound fishing line.

Newton said he will have the fish mounted and displayed in either his home or in the sporting goods store where he first took the fish to be weighed.

Despite the size of the fish, Newton said he only battled it for one minute before he got it onto his boat with the aid of a friend. He claims that a smaller, 13-pound snakehead put up more of a fight that same weekend.

Northern snakeheads are voracious predators and would not think twice about biting down on an errant hand or limb, so Newton had to exercise caution when handling the fish.

"They're creepy critters, but the danger is all in how close you put your hands to it." he told the Times.

While no cash prize is awarded for the world-record catch, the name recognition Caleb Newton now holds in the fishing community may prove to be more lucrative. He told the Times that he hopes to receive corporate sponsorship to defray the costs of entering fishing tournaments and equipment, which can amount to hundreds -- if not thousands -- of dollars.

"I'm hoping they will send me some gear and apparel. I fish in tournaments and people know my name now. I'd like to wear a Berkley jacket," he told the The Free Lance Star.

To see a photo of Newton and his world-record catch, click here.