Canada’s vast oceans, lakes, and rivers are home to some truly massive fish species. From prehistoric sturgeon to speedy sharks, these waters hide giants that would make any angler’s heart race. Whether you’re fishing the Pacific coast, Atlantic shores, or inland waterways, these seven behemoths represent the largest catches ever recorded in Canadian waters.
Fishing regulations vary by province and species. Always check current size limits, seasons, and conservation status before targeting any fish species mentioned in this article.
1. Great White Shark
Fearsome predators reaching over 20 feet long and weighing up to 4,000 pounds when fully grown. The largest confirmed great white caught in Canadian waters was a 17-foot monster near Nova Scotia.
These apex predators visit Canadian Atlantic waters during summer months, following seal populations. Despite their intimidating reputation, great whites rarely target humans.
2. Basking Shark
Gentle giants that can reach lengths of 40 feet and weigh over 5 tons. Once common along Canadian coasts, these filter-feeders were heavily hunted until protection measures were established.
Swimming with mouths wide open, they filter tiny plankton from the water. Unlike their fearsome relatives, basking sharks pose no threat to humans despite their imposing size.
3. Atlantic Bluefin Tuna
Rocket-shaped speedsters capable of reaching 1,500 pounds in Canadian waters. The largest bluefin ever caught in Canada weighed a staggering 1,496 pounds off Nova Scotia in 1979.
Prized by sport fishermen and sushi chefs alike, these warm-blooded fish can accelerate faster than a Porsche. Their incredible speed and power make them one of the most challenging game fish to land.
4. Shortfin Mako Shark
Built for speed, makos are the Formula 1 cars of the shark world. Canadian waters have yielded specimens exceeding 1,000 pounds and 12 feet in length.
Known for spectacular aerial displays when hooked, these sharks can swim at bursts over 45 mph. Their metallic blue coloration and aerodynamic shape make them instantly recognizable to deep-sea anglers in Canadian waters.
5. White Sturgeon
Living fossils that have remained unchanged for over 200 million years. The Fraser River in British Columbia holds the record for the largest freshwater fish caught in Canada – a 1,800-pound sturgeon measuring 20 feet long.
These prehistoric giants can live over 100 years. Their bodies are covered in bony plates instead of scales, giving them an armored appearance that hints at their ancient lineage.
6. Blue Shark
Slender ocean wanderers with distinctive indigo-blue backs and long, graceful pectoral fins. Canadian waters regularly produce specimens exceeding 400 pounds, though they can grow much larger.
Migrating thousands of miles annually, blues follow cool currents along Canadian coastlines. Their streamlined bodies and countershading camouflage (dark above, light below) make them perfectly adapted for life in the open ocean.
7. Pacific Halibut
Flat giants that lurk on the ocean floor off Canada’s west coast. The largest sport-caught Pacific halibut in Canadian waters tipped the scales at 482 pounds – roughly the size of a piano!
Masters of camouflage, these flatfish can change their coloration to match the seafloor. Both eyes migrate to one side of their body during development, giving them their distinctive asymmetrical appearance.
