World Record Sculpin Rockfish Caught During 2024 MDRA Halibut Derby

Ed Rhee of Team Never Enough Brings Record Catch to the Weigh-in Scales

Ed Rhee and Team Never Enough after weighing the World Record Sculpin.

Updated for the upcoming 2026 MDR Halibut Derby, by Derrek Stewart 12/19/25

Serendipity at the Prestigious Marina Del Rey Halibut Derby

During the 2024 Marina Del Rey Anglers Halibut Derby, the longest-standing Fishing Tournament on the West Coast, Ed Rhee of team Never Enough, produced an unexpected catch of World-Class caliber!

During the second day of competition, Team Never Enough, relocated from the northern portion of the Santa Monica Bay on day one, to the southern side near the Palos Verdes Peninsula during day two. Hunting for Halibut in relatively shallow sandy conditions near Torrance Beach, and little to show for their efforts, Rhee suggested a move to deeper water.

MDR Halibut Derby, Santa Monica Bay Boundaries Map

That's when Rhee felt a bite and reeled in what at first seemed to be just another small rockfish. With the team not entering the Sculpin Division, Rhee was prepared to dismiss the catch. One of Rhee's teammates, Daniel Connors, suggested that he take it to the scales anyway; something good might come from it. After all, it looked much better than an average Sculpin.

It was an unexpected stroke of luck that he did. While watching big Halibut at the scales, somewhat discouraged and almost ready to give up, Myles Blatt, the tournament director, told Rhee, "Let's weigh it anyway, let me have a look." Rhee opened the weigh bag, displaying his catch, and that's when Blatt, with an excited amplified voice, said, "That's a World Record!"

Fortunately, two International Game Fish Association officials were on site. MDRA President and Derby Director Myles Blatt, and MDRA member Chris Wheaton. Blatt and Wheaton correctly processed the documentation of the catch and the certification of the weight for IGFA submission. "Often anglers will not realize that they have caught a World Record fish," says Wheaton.

Team Never Enough

Team Never Enough receiving the IGFA World Record Certificate. Left to right, Dan Conner, Tony Solomon, Ed Rhee, and Joe.

While Ed Rhee's name appears on the IGFA World Record certificate, this achievement reflects the strength of Team Never Enough. Guiding his team to a World Record catch is Captain Tony Solomon, with additional teammates Daniel Connors and Joe.

Beware: More on Sculpin Rockfish, aka California Scorpionfish

Sculpin/Scorpionfish Illustration by Studio Abachar, from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, public domain.

Found living on and around a variety of rocky structural habitats, Sculpin are a relatively common catch during Southern California Rockfish excursions. Sculpin have a unique defense strategy; these Rockfish sport venomous spines that can cause painful wounds if anglers aren't careful when handling their catch. The toxin also deters attacks from predators in the wild.

A California Scorpionfish caught while jigging an artificial Nomad Squidtrex Lure, handle them carefully!

Also known as a California Scorpionfish, the true species common name, this brownish-red, spotted, patterned, spiny fish's scientific name is Scorpaena guttata. Referring to the poisonous spines, Scorpaena is the Greek word for Scorpion, and guttata is the Latin word meaning small drops.

Be Aware, Your Catch Could be Significant

Caught off San Diego, California, the previous record catch, for a Sculpin Rockfish, weighed 3 pounds, 10 ounces. These weights are seemingly small, and it's easy to understand why certain record catches may go undetected. Nonetheless, size is relative, and a World Record of any size is a worthy accomplishment.

World Record Fish Swim in the Santa Monica Bay

It must be a fantastic feeling to be in a high-caliber tournament event and bring a world record catch to the scales. "One of the outstanding aspects of fishing is you never really know what you'll catch" – Myles Blatt / MDRA President.  Congratulations, Ed Rhee and Team Never Enough. We look forward to seeing more record-breaking catches in upcoming MDR Halibut Derbies.

The 2025, 50th Golden Anniversary MDR Halibut Tournament Poster

Drawing anglers from across Southern California, the Marina Del Rey Halibut Derby is a spectacular event. This tournament features exciting multiple divisions; it's a level playing field for every type of angler. The format features categories for youth, women, clubs, small teams, large teams, kayakers, shore anglers, sportfishing boat, heaviest White Seabass and Yellowtail, saltwater Bass, heaviest fish overall, and the biggest Halibut. All have a shot at winning.

Multiple fish categories in Calcutta side pots make earnings more interesting. There's amazing swag, trophies, awards, raffle prizes, silent auctions, and a delicious meal, making this a family fun-packed community extravaganza that you won't want to miss.

The upcoming two-day event on Saturday and Sunday, June 6th and 7th, 2026, at Burton Chace Park in Marina del Rey, promises excitement and community spirit.

For additional information on the mandatory Captain's meeting on June 5th, rules, and details, visit https://halibutderby.com/. To secure your spot in the 2026, 51st annual MDR Halibut Derby, register early through the website before the deadline. Join the fun at this iconic event and be part of the tradition!

Will you bring the next world record fish to the MDR Halibut Derby scales?

Photo credits: Sculpin/Scorpionfish Illustration by Studio Abachar, from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, public domain. Check out more amazing original marine artwork at - https://www.abachar.com/. 2025 Halibut Derby Poster courtesy of the Marina Del Rey Anglers. All other images by DSF. All rights reserved.