A Virginia angler demolished Delaware’s previous record for the largest swordfish caught on a state-registered vessel by nearly 100 pounds earlier this month.
Kurt Lorenz landed the 90-inch long, 358-pound swordfish about 70 miles off the Maryland-Virginia Coast September 7th after a three-hour fight before returning to Lewes.
DNREC’s Division of Fish and Wildlife confirmed the record after weighing it the next morning.
Officials say the lunker was a “pumpkin swordfish” as demonstrated by its orange flesh. It’s thought to come from its diet rich in shrimp and prawns.
The previous record weighed in at 276-pounds, 12-ounces and was set by Albert Scott in 1978.
Photo courtesy: DNREC / From left to right are: boat owner Mark Avon, mate Rusty Smith(kneeling), angler Kurt Lorenz(red shirt), Chris Ragni and Captain Pete Floyd(far right). Not pictured: Brian Garancheski.
