Exactly 2 years to the day, and almost to the exact hour, that Hurricane Ivan struck Orange Beach, Ala., the Gulf of Mexico swordfish record was broken. Angler Del Sawyer, along with Capts. Randy Howland and Robby Griffiths and crew of the Sea Reaper III, hooked the swordfish at 3:45 a.m. on Sept. 16. Sawyer fought the 448-pound fish, while standing up, for 3 hours and 45 minutes.
This record-breaking catch took place in the Gulf of Mexico about 70 miles southwest of Orange Beach in 1,500 feet of water. Sawyer landed the swordie using a 50 Wide Penn Reel with 100-pound-test Powerpro. Squid (with a lightstick) was used as bait.
Word started spreading around town that the Sea Reaper III was on its way in with a record-breaking swordfish. Locals started gathering at the Orange Beach Marina to see the trophy. The Sea Reaper III pulled into the dock at about 3 p.m. on Saturday afternoon and unveiled the catch.
According to Alabama Outdoors, the previous record for a Swordfish caught in the Gulf of Mexico was 350 pounds, and was set in 2005 by an angler from Gulf Shores, Ala.
