OCEAN CITY, MD—The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has officially recognized Marc Spagnola of Berlin, Worcester County, as the new state record holder for the longfin albacore (Thunnus alalunga) in the Atlantic Division. Spagnola’s massive 78-pound catch, which was landed on September 21, 2025, surpasses the previous record set in 2004 by a full four pounds.
Spagnola was fishing offshore aboard the 82-foot private boat, Instigator, with a crew of seasoned fishermen. Their two-day journey began with trolling in the Hudson Canyon, off the coasts of northern New Jersey and New York. When rough seas forced them to turn south toward home port, the action intensified.
At dawn on September 21, the record-setting longfin albacore took a lure on a rod and line set far from the boat, known as a “shotgun.” Spagnola took the rod, and the fight was on. The crew initially mistook the powerful fish for a yellowfin tuna, but once it was boated, they realized they had landed an exceptionally large longfin albacore. The fish was later weighed and certified at Sunset Marina in Ocean City.
The successful trip ended with an impressive haul of 29 tuna—including bigeye, yellowfin, and the record longfin albacore—in addition to a large number of common dolphinfish, also known as mahi-mahi.
A lifelong offshore angler, Spagnola spoke of his enjoyment of the sport, citing both the “adventure” it offers and the rewards of fresh cuisine, including “tuna steaks, poke bowls, smoked tuna, and home-canned tuna.”
Longfin albacores are highly migratory, torpedo-shaped fish capable of swimming at speeds topping 50 miles per hour. They travel in schools across the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian oceans.
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources maintains state records for sport fish in four divisions: Atlantic, Chesapeake, Nontidal, and Invasive. Anglers who believe they have caught a potential record-setting fish should complete the state record application and call 410-991-0748. The department recommends keeping the fish immersed in ice water to preserve its weight until it can be verified and certified.
Maryland state fishing licenses are available on DNR’s MD Outdoors website. Revenue generated from fishing licenses, tackle, boat, and marine fuel purchases funds the DNR’s vital fish and wildlife conservation work.
Photo via Maryland DNR & Marc Spagnola
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