Benny Ortiz, a renowned Shimano Saltwater Pro, made headlines with his recent record-breaking catch—a stunning 98 cm gag grouper—during the 2025 American Red Snapper season in the Gulf of Mexico. Utilizing a Shimano slow-pitch jigging setup, Ortiz’s achievement is being celebrated by Shimano North America Fishing as a significant milestone in angling.
On July 12, Ortiz was partaking in a fishing trip with Figured It Out Charters when he hooked the impressive grouper at depths ranging from 200 to 300 feet. "We were already in the middle of a good red snapper bite when I got slammed about 40 feet off the bottom," Ortiz recalled. "After a miss on the first hit, I kept the one-pitch cadence going and got absolutely smoked a few cranks later. The power and smooth drag of the Ocea Jigger LD stopped the fish and let me turn it with confidence."
Ortiz utilized a Shimano Infinity Motive M rod paired with an Ocea Jigger LD reel, loaded with 20 lb PowerPro Depth Hunter line. The decisive moment came when he employed a 224g all-glow Shimano Butterfly Flat-Side Jig complemented by a 40 lb fluorocarbon leader. With this combination, he managed to overcome the grouper's powerful resistance and bring it to the surface.
Upon surfacing, the fishing team measured the grouper using an IGFA-compliant device, meticulously documenting the moment through both photo and video evidence. The 98 cm length surpassed the previous all-tackle IGFA record of 89 cm, which had remained unbeaten since 2014. “The feeling of breaking the record was incredible, and it’s a testament to the equipment and technique we were using,” Ortiz added proudly.
After documenting the catch, the team took necessary steps to ensure the fish’s survival by safely descending it back into the depths with a Seaqualizer device, ensuring that it swam away in good condition. The successful release emphasized the team’s commitment to sustainable fishing practices.
The unanticipated catch not only highlights Ortiz’s skill and persistence but also showcases Shimano's leading role in providing reliable tools for anglers. As a result of Ortiz's accomplishment, there is a renewed interest in slow-pitch jigging techniques, especially in the realm of targeting larger species like gag grouper.
As the fishing community celebrates this record, many are looking forward to the upcoming fishing seasons. The combination of increased awareness and Ortiz's record may serve as a motivating factor for both amateur and professional anglers alike to strive for excellence in their fishing adventures.
With advancements in fishing gear and techniques, the future looks bright for anglers eager to make new records. Ortiz’s experience serves as an inspiration for others in the sport, reminding everyone that with the right approach and patience, incredible feats can be achieved on the water.
