For most, a typical Sunday at the lake involves a lawn chair and a light breeze. For local Sioux City angler Jakob Mackey, Sunday, Aug. 10, 2025, was the culmination of a grueling 20-hour weekend marathon that ended with a memorable fight and a spot in the world record books.
The International Game Fish Association (IGFA) officially recognized Mackey’s 71-pound, 8-ounce grass carp as the new world record for the 30-pound (15 kg) line class, breaking a previous record of 55 pounds set in Japan. His catch now stands as the current third-largest grass carp in the IGFA record books.
“What I enjoy most about carp fishing is the challenge,” he said. “These fish are incredibly strong, intelligent, and difficult to catch consistently.”
Putting in the Time
The record-breaking catch wasn’t a matter of luck; it was a matter of adjustment. He primarily targets grass and common carp. After fishing his usual spots on Friday and Saturday with little to show for it, Mackey found an underwater shelf roughly 15 feet offshore at Bacon Creek Lake. After six hours of waiting on Sunday—and over 20 hours on the water that weekend—the strategy paid off at 1 p.m.
“It absolutely took off like a freight train,” Mackey recalled. “It almost ripped my rod out of the holder.
“I knew it was a very big fish, but grass carp are incredibly powerful and long-distance fighters, so it took some time before it really started to sink in. As the fight went on and I started seeing flashes of the fish in the water, I realized it was something truly special. Once it finally surfaced and I saw the full size of it, I knew there was a real chance it could be a record-class fish.”
While carp are often unfairly labeled as “trash” fish in the U.S., Mackey’s experience tells a different story of strength and intelligence. Using specialized European-style carp gear meant for larger fish and a standard terminal carp rig, he had an absolute blast during the 15-minute tug-of-war.
“Grass carp are known for sudden last-second runs,” Mackey explained. “You know one mistake at the net can cost you the fish. When it finally slid into the net, it was an incredible moment of relief.”
Changing the Narrative
By using an IGFA-certified scale and proper weigh sling, he was prepared for the record-breaking moment. The IGFA certification process went smoothly for him; his preparation allowed him to document his catch according to IGFA requirements.
Mackey is part of a growing movement of American anglers looking to elevate the status of carp fishing to the respected level it holds in Europe.
“I’m passionate about helping bring more positive attention to carp fishing and the opportunities it provides for anglers in Iowa,” said Mackey.
For Mackey, the achievement isn’t just about the trophy. It’s about changing the narrative of what’s possible in the US and his own backyard.
