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.
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