An Annapolis man is officially in the record books—the first Maryland state recordholder for swordfish. Peter Schultz, 36, was competing in the Huk Big Fish Classic in Ocean City last weekend aboard the fishing boat Real One, when he landed a 301-pound swordfish.
Schultz caught the fish about 50 miles offshore at Washington Canyon using a dead eel on a circle hook; Talica 50 reel with 65-pound braid line; and a 25-foot, 150-pound leader, according to the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR). Schultz certainly didn’t do it alone: the fish took eight hours to reel in. He calls it the fish of a lifetime.
“We put so much effort into this,” Schultz said “Everyone had a crucial role.”
The fish’s weight was officially certified by Dave Hedges of M.R. Ducks at Talbot Street Pier. DNR later confirmed the record. It’s the first time since the state added swordfish (Xiphias gladius) to the Atlantic division of Maryland’s records that someone has met the minimum size of 300 pounds to qualify for a state record.
While Schultz gets the fame of having his name in the record books, his entire team gets the fortune: Real One wound up with a tournament payoff of $542,648, according to the Big Fish Classic.
If you ever think you have a potential Maryland record catch, whether in the Atlantic, Chesapeake, Nontidal, or Invasive division, download and fill out the state record application and call 443-569-1381 or 410-260-8325. DNR advises you immerse the fish in ice water to preserve its weight until it can be certified.
–Meg Walburn Viviano
