Lou Marron's All-Tackle World Record Broadbill Swordfish Mount Now at the IGFA Fishing Hall of Fame & Museum
by International Game Fish Association 17. February 2010 13:31
The International Game Fish Association is proud to welcome the arrival of Lou Marron's All-Tackle World Record broadbill swordfish mount to the IGFA Fishing Hall of Fame & Museum. Recently restored to its original splendor by King Sailfish Mounts (http://www.kingsailfishmounts.com/), this magnificent piece of sportfishing history will soon be on display for all to see at the IGFA Fishing Hall of Fame & Museum in Dania Beach, Florida.
(To view the photos of the delivery of the mount to IGFA please scroll down)
According to Marron’s world record application, the 1,182-pound fish was landed on May 7, 1953off the coast of Iquique, Chile. The fight lasted almost two hours and the fish measured 179.25 inches in length – which included its broken bill. At the time it was one of the heaviest fish of any kind caught on rod and reel. Along with Alfred C. Glassell's All-Tackle World Record black marlin, this catch is one of the most notable records of all time and the record is unlikely to be defeated.The original mount of Marron’s fish, made by legendary Miami taxidermist Al Pflueger, included some real fish parts (bill, head, tail and fins) and the body of the mount, which was constructed of plaster, weighed nearly 200 pounds. After creating a new mold (it is believed the original mold is no longer in existence), King Sailfish Mounts produced a lightweight model from composite materials. The original fish parts were carefully restored and re-attached, and the mount was then finished with a special mixture of paints designed to maintain the authenticity of this historic catch.
During restoration the thick layer of plaster that covered the bill was removed for the first time, revealing the past turbulent life of this swordfish. The bill was broken almost in half; what remains has numerous deep gouges along the edges indicating it had been used aggressively. The tip appears to have been broken well before that final epic battle, for a substantial amount of scar tissue had accumulated at the break. These unique scars are visible in the restored mount.
On display at the Miami Beach Rod & Reel Club for more than 50 years, the new home of this magnificent mount is now the IGFA Fishing Hall of Fame & Museum. Please pay us a visit after March 1, 2010 to see this new addition to the Museum firsthand. Remember, as an IGFA member your admission is free. Not a member? Join today at http://www.igfa.org/.
Photos of delivery of the All-Tackle swordfish mount to IGFA Fishing Hall of Fame & Museum:
Ray Douglas of King Sailfish Mounts (http://www.kingsailfishmounts.com/) points out the deep gouges along the swordfish bill.
Ray Douglas and IGFA Conservation Director Jason Schratwieser admire the immense size of the mount.
Kent Ullberg's Sword Dance statue outside the IGFA Fishing Hall of Fame & Museum provides a fitting landmark for the new home of the All-Tackle swordfish mount.
The All-Tackle swordfish mount almost did not fit through the front doors of the IGFA Fishing Hall of Fame & Museum.
IGFA plans to place the All-Tackle mount above the IGFA Museum Store with a plaque commemorating the history behind the catch of the magnificent fish.
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