AMERICA THE BIG-GAME BEAUTIFUL

Whenever we discuss IGFA world-record billfish, thoughts of exotic locations and remote destinations usually come to mind: the huge black marlin fishery that exists off Cairns, Australia, and the large blues that prowl the waters of the Azores and Canary Islands. However, it might come as a surprise to some that the opportunity to land a world-record billfish exists much closer to home. The International Game Fish Association currently holds more than 20 billfish world records in the United States, including the fabulous Florida Keys and the cobalt-blue waters of the Hawaiian Islands. Even the Northeast canyons have produced some amazing catches by some talented anglers. So, whether you’re a committed record chaser or casual angler, the opportunity to land a record fish can be found right here in the US.

Nineteen of the 22 line-class records the IGFA holds for Atlantic blue marlin are from the eastern side of the Atlantic Ocean, but in recent years, several grander blues have been landed along the Eastern Seaboard of the US. With major tournaments such as the Big Rock, the Mid-Atlantic and the White Marlin Open, it’s only a matter of time before an angler