CROWNSVILLE, MD— It was a week for the record books for James L. Frazetti Jr. of Crownsville, who was officially recognized by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) for setting a new state record and, just one day later, earning the prestigious FishMaryland Master Angler Award.
Frazetti’s incredible run of catches demonstrates his skill as a saltwater and offshore fishing specialist.
Record-Breaking Catch Doubles Previous Mark
On an early October trip trolling for tuna near the offshore canyons aboard the Ocean City charter boat Talk’n Trash, Captained by Chris Little with mate Jake Bialk, Frazetti hooked into a unique find: a 7-pound, 8-ounce pompano dolphinfish (Coryphaena equiselis).
The fish, a smaller but similar species to the common dolphinfish (mahi-mahi), measured 32.5 inches. After having the fish officially weighed at Anglers Sport Center in Annapolis, DNR fisheries biologist Keith Lockwood confirmed the species and the new record. Frazetti’s catch was more than twice the size of the previous Maryland record for pompano dolphinfish, exceeding it by a remarkable five pounds.
The world record for the species stands at 11.5 pounds, caught off North Carolina in 2022.
Master Angler Milestone Achieved
Despite its size, the record-setting pompano dolphinfish was not among the species eligible for the FishMaryland program’s recognition. Frazetti’s pursuit of the Master Angler Award, which requires catching and certifying 10 trophy-sized fish from a list of eligible species, was fulfilled the very next day.
On October 4, Frazetti achieved his 10th and final qualifying catch with a 36.5-inch golden tilefish.
His impressive list of award-eligible trophy catches includes a wide range of Maryland fish:
- White marlin – 68 inches
- Weakfish – 24.5 inches
- Spanish mackerel – 24 inches
- Swordfish – 41 inches
- Striped bass – 46 inches
- Yellow perch – 14.5 inches
- Blue crab – 8.05 inches
- Blueline tilefish – 29 inches
- False albacore – 27.5 inches
- Golden tilefish – 36.5 inches (The 10th qualifying catch)
Legacy and Advice
Frazetti credits his passion for fishing to his father and uncle, emphasizing that his favorite part of the sport is the bond it creates with family and friends. For new anglers or those aiming for Master Angler status, his advice is simple: “Always keep learning, no matter how long you’ve been fishing.”
The Maryland DNR maintains state records in four divisions—Atlantic, Chesapeake, Nontidal, and Invasive—and encourages any angler who believes they have a potential record to apply and preserve the fish in ice water until verified.
Photo via James Frazetti/Maryland DNR
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