A 506-kg ocean giant rewrites the history of deep-sea fishing in New Hampshire: an epic feat amid menacing waves and a chef’s dream of the perfect sashimi.
The Record-Breaking Landings at Rye Harbor
When the harbor winch lifted the titanic form out of the water, even the most seasoned sea dogs were left speechless. Over 506 kilograms of pure marbled power (equal to 1,116 pounds): a giant of the seas that shattered New Hampshire’s previous state record—which had stood since 2013—by more than 68 kg. An extraordinary catch, whose belly meat and finest cuts would delight the world’s greatest sushi masters.
A Battle of Nerves Amid the Waves
The adventure began with a nighttime expedition off the coast of Rye Harbor. Aboard the “Out of Line”—a sturdy, luxurious Wayne Beal fishing boat operated by Savage Charters NH—angler Brandon McGirl found himself facing far stormier and more hostile sea conditions than expected.
After hours of fruitless waiting in the dark, with the fishing trip nearly over, the reel suddenly began to sing. Thus began an exhausting struggle that lasted over a mile as they pursued the king of the seas to bring him alongside the boat. Given that it was physically impossible to hoist such a colossus aboard, the crew had to tow it to shore for the official weigh-in.
Led by a veteran of the oceans: Captain Jamie Savage
Behind this success lies not just luck, but the technical expertise of someone who has lived on the sea his whole life. At the helm of the boat was Captain Jamie Savage, a professional in the field since the early 2000s and holder of an official Coast Guard license since 2008.
An expert in heavy-tackle and commercial fishing techniques, Savage runs Savage Charters NH, offering guided deep-sea fishing trips off the coast of New England. The captain commented in amazement on the incident, describing the giant as “bigger than anything we’d ever seen before”. A culinary and sporting triumph destined to become a legend along the Atlantic coast.
