Record-Breaking Blue Marlin Landed Off San Diego Coast

A 648-pound blue marlin, a catch comparable in weight to an adult male grizzly bear, has set a new record for the largest fish ever weighed at Fishermen's Landing in San Diego. The previous record at the location was approximately 598 pounds.

Captain Alec Stockfelt, 32, and his crew aboard a 65-foot sportfishing boat landed the massive fish on Monday, approximately 40 miles off the coast of San Diego. The sheer size of the marlin required nearly everyone on board to assist in bringing it onto the vessel.

This recent catch surpasses a near-record bluefin tuna landed by San Diego fishermen less than a week prior. That tuna weighed 500 pounds but was ineligible for record consideration as it was commercially caught; only sport-caught fish qualify for records.

Tunaville Market owner Tommy Gomes suggested that the current fishing season is proving exceptional due to El Niño weather patterns, which are drawing more diverse marine life into local waters.