1977 All Tackle World Record

Atlantic Blue Marlin - 1,286 lbs  

This big female was caught in 1977 off St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands, by Capt. Barkey Garnsey aboard the Xiphias with mate Larry Martin as angler using 130 lb tackle. The boat was the first 43 footer built by Roy Merritt.  Originally named Caliban, it helped Allen Merritt win seven of eleven Cat Cay Tuna Tournaments - more than any captain in history.  The boat was later sold to Ralph Gilster who named it Xiphias (the genus name for swordfish).  Today, the boat is owned by William Spolar and is called Cat's Meow.  (Photo courtesy of Peter Elam)