Alabama Record Swordfish
R. Ken Cooper • September 16, 2006
448 lb Swordfish caught by Del Sawyer on the Sea Reaper III
(OBA®) - Exactly 2 years to the day, and almost to the exact hour, that Hurricane Ivan struck Orange Beach, the Alabama State Swordfish record was broken. Angler Del Sawyer, along with Captain Randy (Goat Roper) Howland and Captain Robby Griffiths, and crew of the Sea Reaper III, hooked the Swordfish at 3:45 am. Angler Del Sawyer fought, while standing up, for 3 hours and 45 minutes before landing the trophy swordfish.
This record breaking catch took place in the Gulf of Mexico about 70 miles southwest of Orange Beach, AL in 1,500 feet of water. Del landed the big fish using a Penn International 50 W Reel with Power Pro 100 lb test line. Squid (with a Hydro Glow light-stick) was used as bait.
Word started spreading around town that the Sea Reaper III was on its way in with a record breaking swordfish. Locals started gathering at the Orange Beach Marina to see the trophy. The Sea Reaper III pulled into the dock at about 3:00 pm on Saturday afternoon and unveiled the catch. Unbelievable! The monster weighed in at 448 pounds.
According to Alabama Outdoors, the previous state record for a swordfish caught in the Gulf of Mexico was 350 lbs, 12 ozs. and was set in 2005. If this information is correct, the Sea Reaper III's Fishing Team shattered the previous record by 97 pounds.
Photos of the Alabama Record Swordfish being weighed in at the dock.
Share this article w/ Friends...
Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — The American Heart Association has launched a new health program at the Orange Beach Public Library. The initiative is called Libraries with Heart and is designed to help residents monitor their blood pressure at home. Community partners say the effort will give people easier access to...
Gulf Shores, Ala. — (OBA) — Starting this December, the city will no longer send business and rental license renewal forms through traditional U.S. mail. Instead, all renewal forms will be delivered only by email. City officials say the change is meant to be more efficient. They also hope it will save money and...
Foley, Ala. — (OBA) — City leaders in Foley are planning major changes to the current public library building. The work is meant to improve access for older adults and people with disabilities. The building will later become the city’s Senior Center. The plans are tied to the construction of a new library.
Gulf Shores, Ala. — (OBA) — Construction on the City of Gulf Shores Pedestrian Bridge is moving forward on schedule, with steady work visible on both sides of the project. Crews are working on the bridge structure as well as nearby parking and streetscape improvements. City officials say the work is designed to...
Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — The City of Orange Beach has launched a new online portal for business licenses and related applications. The system uses OpenGov Permitting & Licensing. City leaders say it will cut paperwork, save time and money. They expect faster decisions for businesses and residents.
Robertsdale, Ala. — (OBA) — Baldwin County Public Schools Superintendent Eddie Tyler has notified parents about an important change to counseling consent rules. He said he usually shares policy updates in his back‑to‑school email each August, but this situation is different. The district began the year collecting...
Foley, Ala. — (OBA) — Foley officials are adding new traffic control near the city’s hospital as services and patient numbers continue to grow. The city plans to change an existing intersection to better handle the heavier traffic. Leaders say the change is meant to improve safety as well as traffic flow. Residents...
Orange Beach, Ala. – (OBA) – Plans continue in Orange Beach to make improvements to the recreation campus in the northwest intersection of Canal Road and Wilson Boulevard. Pickleball courts and expanded parking are already underway and, work has begun on Contorno Park on the western edge of the campus. Next on the...
Gulf Shores, Ala. — (OBA) — Local musicians are joining forces to help struggling families in lower Baldwin County through a benefit concert. The event aims to raise funds and collect food donations for the Christian Service Center. Six musical acts will perform at the fundraiser called Pantry Stock.
Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — According to Hotel Business, an Alabama-based investor group has purchased Perdido Beach Resort in Orange Beach. The new owners say the popular Gulf Coast property will remain under local leadership. They also say they are committed to its long-term future. The resort has served families...
