Anglers Reel in Potential Texas Record Swordfish
OutdoorHub Reporters 06.08.13
In a three-day trip 100 miles from Texas soil, the crew of the Booby Trap worked feverishly to bring a 500-pound swordfish aboard. The battle lasted over four hours as angler Brian Barclay fought the large fish to a standstill. The sweltering sun made the task seem herculean in hindsight.
“He stayed on that fish. He fought hard for four hours in the hot sun,” Captain Jeff Wilson told KTRK. “We had fans on him, we were drenching him with water, you name it, anything to keep him going. We cheered him on, egged him on, so to speak.”
While initially weighed at 500 pounds, the fish was put on ice for the long trip back and eventually shrunk down to 493 pounds and 107 inches. It is still more than enough to shoulder aside the previous Texas state record of 341 pounds and 124 inches.
Swordfish can grow up to well over 1,000 pounds and are popular among saltwater anglers. Despite many believing that the “sword” bill of the fish being used to spear prey, it is rather used to slash and injure other fish to make them easier to chase. The bill can also be used to fend off predators such as sharks and killer whales.
Swordfish also provides a tremendous amount of meat. Before making filets out of the catch, Barclay’s swordfish was documented and materials sent to state wildlife officials for confirmation.
“This is the greatest thing in the world,” Wilson said. Fishing so far from shore requires dedication and endurance, two qualities in high demand when angling for 24 hours a day. Still, the crew of the Booby Trap recall a memorable experience that they are not likely to forget soon.
Video of the catch can be seen below:
