The crew consisted of a group of friends and did not depart Lynnhaven until nearly 8 PM and began deploying deep baits for swordfish about 11 PM. The first strike came shortly but the catch was an estimated 10-foot tiger shark and was released. Next was a 46-inch swordfish pup that was released by the youngest member of the crew. The record setting fish hit about 2:30 AM and came to the boat quickly, as the crew was able to actually touch the leader in about ten minutes after the initial hook-up. The fish then sounded and the next 2-1/2 hours produced a see-saw battle. Once the fish was finally at boat side, and the group fully appreciated the size of their prize, several gaffs were deployed to insure the swordfish could be controlled and pulled through the tuna door.
The group had planned to take advantage of the red hot white marlin bite and troll at daybreak, but with the 12-1/2 foot long swordfish occupying nearly the 34-foot boat's entire cockpit, they elected to return once all the gear was stowed away.
Inside Rudee Inlet at the
Virginia Beach Fishing Center the swordfish would weigh an incredible 446 pounds
and boast a lower jaw fork length of 98 inches with an overall length of 152 ½
inches. The prior state record of
381 1/2 pounds was caught off Virginia Beach at the Norfolk Canyon, by James
Alexander of Virginia Beach on October 11, 1978.
For more information, contact Lewis S. Gillingham, Virginia Saltwater
Fishing Tournament, 2600 Washington Avenue, Third Floor; Newport News, VA,
23607, (757) 491-5160, vswft@mrc.virginia.gov.