Annapolis Angler Sets New Fishing Record With 301-Pound Swordfish

ANNAPOLIS, MD — An Anne Arundel County angler not only took home a 301-pound swordfish at an Ocean City fishing tournament, but he also broke a state record with his big catch.

Annapolis resident Peter Schultz is the first swordfish record holder for the Maryland Department of Natural Resources’ Atlantic division. The 36-year-old caught a 301-pound swordfish at the Big Fish Classic tournament on July 23.

Schultz and his team pulled off the record-breaking catch with a dead eel on a circle hook, 50-foot reel with 65-pound braid line and a 25-foot, 150-pound leader.

After an eight-hour fight, Schultz caught what he described a “fish of a lifetime.”

Schultz said, “We put so much effort into this. Everyone had a crucial role.”

The swordfish’s 301 pounds were certified by Dave Hedges of M.R. Ducks Talbot Street Pier. The historic catch was later confirmed by a Maryland Department of Natural Resources biologist.

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources divides the state records for sports fish in four division:

• Atlantic
• Chesapeake
• Nontidal
• Invasive

Anglers who believe they could potentially have a record-breaking catch should visit the state record application and call 443-569-1381 or 410-260-8325.