In a stunning turn of events during a fishing trip, Robert Fritze from Birmingham, Alabama, captured a swordfish weighing an astonishing 550.3 pounds. This catch not only marks a new state record but also surpasses the previous record of 448 pounds set in 2006 by Del Sawyer. The immense struggle commenced during a seemingly routine voyage on August 14 to 16, as Fritze and his group aimed to target marlin and sailfish off the coast near Orange Beach.
Fritze, joined by his father Ron and four friends aboard their 60-foot vessel named Trade Desk, began their journey by fishing near the Delta House oil platform. Fishing in waters over 4,500 feet deep, the team initially had success catching dolphin fish, Wahoo, and barracuda, yet struggled with larger targets. As night approached, they shifted their focus to tuna, setting out some bait for the evening.
Around 1 AM, Fritze cast a line intended for swordfish, using squid and a light. "The fish took the bait about 300 feet below the surface," he detailed, initiating an intense battle that lasted four and a half hours. The swordfish proved to be a formidable opponent, making several powerful runs and diving as deep as 800 feet before Fritze could begin to reel it in.
The struggle became particularly challenging when the fish finally approached the boat. Fritze's group found themselves ill-prepared, having accidentally left their large fish bag at the dock, rendering them without the proper gear to land such a massive catch. "We had no flying gaffs, nothing to handle a fish of that caliber," Fritze explained. They rose to the occasion, utilizing regular gaffs, ropes, and even rod leashes to secure the giant swordfish and squeeze it through the tuna door.
A storm compounded their challenges, adding four extra hours to their journey back to shore. Word of their catch circulated swiftly, drawing crowds to the Orange Beach Marina to witness the unveiling of the record-breaking swordfish. Dockmaster Jimmy Beason announced the incredible weight of 550.3 pounds, which officially eclipsed the previous state record.
Reflecting on the moment, Fritze shared, "The entire time, it was never in my mind about beating a state record. I was just ecstatic to weigh something that big with Dad and my buddies." After learning of the record, he embraced his father, savoring a cherished family moment amidst the excitement.
Following the catch, the fish was preserved at J&M Tackle while awaiting inspection and verification from the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources to finalize its record status. Rather than celebrating onshore, Fritze and his crew opted to refuel and return to sea, capturing additional fish, including barrelfish and tilefish. The day concluded on a high note when team member Jamie Boyd caught his first sailfish.
For Fritze, this monumental catch signifies much more than just a new record. "It was the fish of many lifetimes," he remarked. "Doing it with my dad meant a lot. He bought his first saltwater boat when I was 5."
