Florida Teen Angler Shatters Nine-Year State Record With Jaguar Guapote Catch
A 16-year-old angler in Florida's Westwood Lakes area has broken a nine-year state record by catching a 3.02-pound jaguar guapote.
Champaign Urbana & Springfield Decatur, IL, September 20, 2026 — A significant angling achievement has been recorded in Florida, as a 16-year-old angler has set a new state record by catching a jaguar guapote weighing 3.02 pounds. The catch occurred in the Westwood Lakes area of Florida, marking the end of a nine-year-old standing record for the species.
The 16-year-old angler, whose name was not provided, reeled in the impressive 3.02-pound jaguar guapote, officially surpassing the previous state record. This new record concludes a nine-year period during which the prior benchmark for the species remained unbroken. Details regarding the exact date of the catch or the specific circumstances surrounding the record-breaking event were not immediately available.
Jaguar guapote, also known scientifically as *Parachromis managuensis*, are a species of cichlid native to Central America but are found in certain introduced populations in Florida. They are known for their striking spotted patterns and are considered a challenging game fish by anglers. Information on the previous state record, including the weight and the angler who set it, was not provided in the available details.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is responsible for verifying and maintaining state fishing records. While the weight of the new record catch has been established, further details about the verification process or the previous record holder were not disclosed. The Westwood Lakes area is known for its diverse aquatic life, making it a popular spot for fishing enthusiasts.
This accomplishment by a young angler highlights the potential for record-breaking catches within Florida’s abundant waterways. Further information regarding the identification of the fish and its precise measurements will be made available as official records are updated by the relevant authorities. The angler’s name and any specific techniques used were not provided.
Story summarized from the original created by Amanda Alvarado on www.wandtv.com, see more information here.
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