With the majority of our planet covered in water, the various lakes, rivers, oceans, and more are pretty much a never-ending source for uncovering mysterious creatures.
Even a simple fishing trip can often turn into a startling discovery, like the dad who got on an alligator's bad side while out with his daughter. The young man below, however, is no stranger to seeing giant aquatic animals cross his path.
As a guide at River Monster Adventures in British Columbia, Canada, 19-year-old Nick McCabe is known as the "Sturgeon Whisperer," consistently reeling in the biggest specimens of the large breed of fish. The company then tags and microchips each one before releasing them back into their natural habitat.
Though McCabe has definitely seen his share of massive catches, he recently made history by nabbing the town's most elusive set of fins. The local lore has been following one particular sturgeon for decades without any fishermen able to see him with their own eyes — until McCabe came along, that is.
The company leads groups of clients out searching for sturgeon hiding beneath the waves at Fraser River in Lillooet, British Columbia.
This nearly seven-foot fella was an impressive snag, but still not up to legendary standards.
Not even this seven-foot twofer, though amazing, measures up to the colossal catch McCabe made on August 23.
Measuring at 10 feet long, 650 lbs., and roughly 80 years old, the ginormous fish is known around town as "Pig Nose" thanks to his distinct facial feature.
He's been talked about for decades, a local folktale for the past 40 years, but no one had ever managed to reel him in before McCabe.
While sturgeon usually have pointy noses, this "snout" was likely due to an injury years ago that healed and grew into the unusual shape.
It took McCabe nearly two hours to bring the big guy in!
Of course, the 19-year-old quickly became a hometown hero as the news spread of his epic catch. The rest of his crew celebrated together with a photo before allowing Pig Nose back into the water and on his merry way.
Take a look below to see McCabe and his buddies totally unable to contain their excitement.
And be sure to SHARE the historic moment with your friends!
