Two Massachusetts fishermen landed a 1,260-pound Atlantic blue marlin off the East Coast, coming up just short of the all-time world record. The catch weighed 142 pounds less than the current global mark for the species.
The crew spent hours battling the massive fish before finally bringing it aboard. The marlin measured more than 13 feet in length, making it one of the largest ever recorded in the region. Officials verified the weight using certified scales at the dock.
This catch ranks among the heaviest blue marlin landed in U.S. Atlantic waters. The current world record for Atlantic blue marlin stands at 1,402 pounds, caught off Brazil in 1992. Many anglers consider that record nearly untouchable due to stricter fishing regulations today.
The fishermen reported no injuries to the crew during the prolonged fight. They had been targeting white marlin earlier in the trip when the blue marlin struck the bait. Using heavy-duty tackle, the team worked in shifts to reel in the fish, which took roughly three hours.
Blue marlin are known for their speed and acrobatic leaps, often testing both gear and endurance. The species is highly migratory and found in tropical and subtropical waters, but large individuals occasionally push farther north. Environmental conditions this year have brought warmer currents closer to New England, likely influencing the fish’s presence.
Following the weigh-in, the marlin was processed for consumption, a standard practice for personal catch limits in the region. The fish was not submitted for record status since the anglers did not meet the line-class requirements for official recognition. However, local fishing clubs have noted the catch as a significant achievement for the area.
Wildlife officials have encouraged anglers to report large catches to aid in population studies. The successful landing highlights the ongoing presence of big-game fish off the Northeast coast, drawing attention from both recreational and commercial sectors. The fishermen said they plan to mount a replica of the marlin to commemorate the experience.
