Pending IGFA world record swordfish out of Palm Beach

[captinmitch]

Here's the article. Young lady did a bang up job. I've fished recreationally and professionally all over the world with a lot of different people. She has the heart and the touch. Keep an eye on this one. She's not only going to break records but hearts as well.

By Mitch Johnson

WEST PALM BEACH -

The IGFA Junior Female world record for swordfish was smashed Saturday night by 14-year-old Ashley Spalding, of Sebastian, while fishing the Jurassic Drift Swordfish Tournament. Ashley's fish, at 155.8 pounds, topped the old mark by almost 60 pounds and was good enough for a 4th place finish in the tournament.

The crew, consisting of Ashley, her father USAF Tech Sergeant Brad Spalding, captain Ralph Turner, co-captain Karl Mullinax, mate Mitch Johnson and observer Nicole Wellington departed Sailfish Marina at 4p.m. Saturday and headed south to fish off Ft. Lauderdale. The ride down was eventful – the crew caught small dolphin, saw a giant leatherback turtle and watched another boat fighting a nice-sized blue marlin.

With the lines in at 8:30, the crew sat back and waited for their shot. The bite was very slow, with 70 of the best sword fishing crews in South Florida calling in only 14 fish. Right at 12:30, Ashley's fish inhaled a jumbo squid fished at 300' and immediately dumped almost 400 yards of line off the Tiagra 80 wide reel.

Strictly adhering to IGFA rules, no crew members were allowed to touch the rod, so young Ashley got herself harnessed up and went to work. Every time she worked the fish close, the sword would take off on a blistering run. Finally, right at the 1 hour 45 minute mark, Ashley swung the leader to the mate and her dad slammed home the flying gaff. Moments later, the 70-inch fish was in the boat and the celebrations began.

For more information about the Tournament, visit http://www.thejurassicdrift.com

[Bking]

That is Friggin awesome!!!! Way to go!!!

[captinmitch]

Thanks. She is only 14 but keep an eye out... she's good.

[captinmitch]

Wow, 200 views and only one compliment for a great kid? Y'all are something.

[ocnslr]

CONGRATS to the young lady for her outstanding catch.

Any pictures available? her? the fish? both together?

Great post, Mitch. Thanks for sharing it.

[shoefish]

That's quite an accomplishment. I'll echo ocnslr- any pics?

[O-SEA-D]

Now that is just awesome.

A 14 year old kid who fought a fish for almost 2 hours.

Heck, I have a hard enought time getting adults on our charters to reel a fish for a few minutes.

Congratulations guys, keep us informed on the record when it happens.

Pretty work

[captinmitch]

The best shot is being withheld for the magazine but here's an outtake.

[captinmitch]

[chriscook02]

CONGRATULATIONS! What a catch. Way to stick with it.