Record swordfish in N.Z.

Following is a Facebook report from New Zealand:

“In an exhilarating fishing expedition off the North Cape Karikari region of New Zealand, captain John Gregory and his deckhand Jim Gigger made headlines after reeling in a colossal swordfish. The duo, aboard their vessel Primetime, hooked the massive fish, which weighed an astonishing 404.4 kilograms (891 pounds, 8 ounces), setting the IGFA Men’s 37-kg (80-lb) Line Class World Record.

The epic battle began when the swordfish took the bait—a skipjack tuna that was being drifted deep in the water. “The fish took a large tuna we were drifting down deep, and it sucked the bait right down into its guts,” Gregory recounted. The fight was intense, likened to “riding a bull in the rodeo,” as the fish delivered powerful head shakes and performed a spectacular jump before diving back into the depths. After an arduous struggle lasting one hour and twenty minutes, the anglers finally brought the behemoth alongside their boat.

Measuring an impressive 14 feet, 5 inches from the tip of the bill to the tail, with a short measurement of 10 feet, 3 inches and a girth of 6 feet, 4 inches, this swordfish not only redefines fishing records but also stands as a testament to the thrill and challenge of big-game fishing in New Zealand’s rich waters.”

The Ocean Explorer from Belmar reported such a calm Wednesday that they had a hard time staying tight on the anchor. There was a pick of blackfish, and the high hook caught four keepers.

Unfortunately, the NY/NJ Bight forecast for Friday is northeast 15-20 knots plus gusts to 25. There’s also a chance of rain.