Fishermen catch 492-pound swordfish off coast of San Diego

SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) — A group of fishermen were in for a huge surprise while out at sea Monday.

The anglers caught a 492-pound swordfish off the coast of San Diego on their boat “Tuna Twins.”

The swordfish was so big that they couldn’t get it onto the boat without calling for backup. And even with an extra set of hands, it took about three hours to secure the fish on the gaff, which is a stick with a hook for landing large fish, according to the group.

The state record for the biggest caught swordfish remains at 520 pounds, just 30 pounds heavier, which was also snatched in San Diego last year.

The group says they plan on getting it processed and distributed to their friends and family around the country.

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