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State Record Sailfish Caught

September 28, 2006

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According to the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection’s Division of Fish and Wildlife, a new state record sailfish was taken from Linden Kohl Canyon on September 18. Dr. John A. Tallia of Rock Hill, New York caught a 43 pound, 4 ounce sailfish that weighed 2 pounds, 4 ounces more than the previous record taken from Wilmington Canyon in 1984.

Dr. Tallia was trolling a Black Bart Hex lure when he hooked the fish on Shimano equipment with 50-pound test. The fish measured 64 ½ inches in length with a 22 ½-inch girth.

Atlantic sailfish are found in both the Atlantic and Pacific oceans. They generally remain in water temperatures between 70° and 83°F though they may be found in deeper water. Coloring is dark blue along the back. The underside is white with brown speckling. Side markings consist of about 20 bars, each made up of many light blue spots. The upper jaw projects into a long bill that is approximately twice the length of the lower jaw. Two dorsal and anal fins are present. The first dorsal fin is much taller than the width of the body and runs most of its length. Sailfish feed mainly on squid, octopus and bony fishes including mackerels, tunas, jacks and needlefish.

The Record Fish Program honors the largest species of fish/crustaceans caught in the state. It revolves around a specific list of eligible species, and is based on weight alone (there are no line classes). Scale certification documentation and a weighmaster’s signature are necessary. Other rules apply.

Please note that as of June 6, 2006, 103 species (31 freshwater and 72 saltwater) are eligible for entry in the Record Fish Program. Anglers are reminded that the objective of the Record Fish Program is to increase the awareness of fishing opportunities for species that are regularly sought after and routinely found in or off the coast of New Jersey.

For more information, see the Record Fish Program page at www.njfishandwildlife.com/recfish.htm.

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Department of Environmental Protection
P. O. Box 402
Trenton, NJ 08625-0402

Last Updated: September 28, 2006