The big-game fishing community recently lost another one of its true legends. Ken Fraser—the man behind the IGFA All-Tackle World Record Atlantic bluefin tuna, the staggering 1,496-pound fish caught off Aulds Cove, Nova Scotia, on October 26, 1979—passed away peacefully on October 24, 2025. He was 81.
Ken’s story, like the giants he pursued, looms larger than life. For nearly than five decades, his name has been synonymous with the cold, cobalt waters of Canada’s Maritimes and the pursuit of the biggest tunas in the world. His record catch, fought on rod and reel for just under an hour, remains not only the heaviest bluefin tuna ever caught, but also one of sportfishing’s most enduring achievements.
I had the pleasure of meeting Ken in October 2014 while fishing for giants out of Ballantynes Cove with Capt. Mike Tait. Word had spread in the tight-knit community that a few IGFA folks were in town, and Ken made the drive from North Lake in his camper just to meet us. That evening, my good friend Adrian Gray and I shared whiskey and stories with Ken and his son Mike. We listened as he recounted tales of the fishery’s early years—of big tuna, small boats, and how that one fish changed his life. It remains one of my favorite memories in all my years of fishing.
Several years later, we had the privilege of hosting Ken and his wife Marilyn at the IGFA headquarters in Florida, where he was presented with the Gil Keech Heavy Tackle Award, honoring his contributions to big-game fishing and his advocacy for sustainable bluefin fisheries. That moment was a testament not just to his record, but to his relentless passion for the sport and his role in helping shape its future.
Ken lived to see the evolution of the Canadian bluefin fishery—once on the brink of collapse from overharvest that he witnessed firsthand—transform into a world-class, catch-and-release charter destination. He was an outspoken advocate for this shift, promoting the responsible recreational fishery that today draws anglers from around the globe to North Lake and Nova Scotia. His commitment to the cause extended far beyond Canada’s shores—Ken traveled to fishing clubs and events around the world, sharing his experiences and insights as a guest speaker, and spreading awareness about the importance of conservation and responsible angling.
What made Ken so special wasn’t just his record or his longevity in the sport—it was who he was. He represented the working-class angler in its truest form: a blue-collar fisherman who built his own opportunities through grit, sweat, and determination. A former welder turned lobsterman, Ken brought that same rugged passion to everything he did in life, especially fishing. His humility and authenticity resonated with everyone he met—from locals on the docks to visiting anglers from across the world.
Earlier this year, Ken’s legacy was immortalized once again at Johnny Morris’ Wonders of Wildlife National Museum & Aquarium, where a full-scale replica of his historic catch—generously commissioned by fellow world-record chaser Gary Carter and crafted by King Sailfish Mounts—was unveiled beside the IGFA Fishing Hall of Fame. It stands as both a tribute to Ken’s achievement and a monument to his love of the ocean’s greatest gamefish.
Anyone who met him knows that Ken was also a storyteller at heart. His 2013 book, Possessed, captures the essence of the Maritime tuna fishery from its infancy in the late 1960s through its golden years. In Possessed, he chronicled not just his own adventures but the rise of North Lake as the “Tuna Capital of the World,” the pioneers who built the industry, and the transformation of a small coastal community into an international sport-fishing destination.
For Ken, tuna fishing wasn’t just a pastime—it was a way of life. From welder to lobsterman to world-record angler, his life was defined by his obsession with these magnificent fish and the people drawn to them.
Ken’s impact reached far beyond his beloved homeland. He inspired countless anglers, scientists, and conservationists, including those of us lucky enough to have shared a drink or a deck with him. His grit, humility, and unwavering enthusiasm will be deeply missed, but his story—his record, his voice, his advocacy—will continue to inspire generations of anglers chasing giants of their own.
Rest easy, Ken. And don’t worry – your record’s not going anywhere.
Our deepest condolences to Marilyn, Mike, Rob, and the Fraser family.
