Boat hauls in 1,260-pound blue marlin believed to be East Coast's largest catch

A 1,260-pound Atlantic blue marlin, believed to be the largest ever caught along the U.S. East Coast, was hauled aboard a charter fishing boat off the coast of Massachusetts on Wednesday. The massive fish was brought ashore in Falmouth after a three-hour battle involving the boat's owner, Damon Sacco, and his client, Walter Chapman. The marlin measured over 11 feet in length and came within 142 pounds of the world record set in 1992 off Brazil, according to the International Game Fish Association. Damon Sacco, a seasoned charter fishing boat captain based in Massachusetts, described the moment the fish surfaced as surreal. Initially mistaking the large fin for that of a shark, Sacco quickly realized the creature was far larger than any marlin he had encountered before. “I thought, dang, that thing's pointed,” he said. “But that's too big for a marlin.” His assumption proved incorrect, as the team successfully landed the fish, which many believe holds the distinction of being the largest Atlantic blue marlin ever recorded in the region. Walt Golet, director of the University of Maine Pelagic Fisheries Lab, noted the rarity of catching such a large marlin in the North Atlantic. “The water is too cold for them in the Northeast most of the year, making the window to catch a big one very narrow,” Golet explained. He speculated the fish could be between 25 and 30 years old and suggested it would take several years before another marlin of similar size appeared in the Atlantic. The capture occurred in Atlantis Canyon, an underwater trench located approximately 100 miles off Cape Cod. This area is known for attracting highly migratory species like the blue marlin during certain seasons. According to Golet, these fish are seasonal visitors to the region, further emphasizing the significance of the catch. Chapman, a retired fisherman from Plymouth, described the experience as both challenging and rewarding. The marlin’s meat was shared among about a dozen individuals, with Chapman planning to prepare dishes using parts of the fish. “I wasn't going to eat a 1,200-pound fish all by myself,” he remarked. Some portions were destined for local fish chowder, while others were preserved for future meals. Upon returning to the dock, the boat drew a crowd of onlookers eager to witness the historic catch. Among them was Katie Curran of Falmouth, who praised the achievement. “People fish their entire lives and never come close to a catch like this,” she said. “Hats off to Captain Damon Sacco and the crew on the catch of a lifetime.” The marlin’s head was sent to the University of Maine for analysis to determine its age. Researchers hope the study will provide insights into the life cycle and migration patterns of these elusive creatures. Meanwhile, the fish’s body was prepared for display at a local marina, where it remained on exhibit for several days, drawing visitors from across the region. The event has sparked interest among fishing enthusiasts and marine biologists alike, highlighting the unique opportunities presented by the relatively small window for catching such large specimens in colder waters. As research continues, the findings may contribute to broader understanding of oceanic ecosystems and conservation efforts aimed at protecting vulnerable species like the Atlantic blue marlin.