World‑Record 446‑Pound Bluefin Tuna Caught Off San Diego on Rod and Reel

Markus Medak of Shearwater Fishing pulled a 446‑pound bluefin tuna off the Southern California coast on a rod and reel, aided by an unnamed fellow angler. The fish, the largest ever caught on a single‑line tackle, was gilled and gutted on board and later delivered to Tunaville Market and Grocery in Point Loma, where it will supply local San Diego restaurants. Owner Tommy Gomes praised the haul as a “big deal for the City of San Diego and for sportfishing,” noting that the record catch may have been aided by the recent Super El Niño weather pattern, which is believed to bring exotic marine species to the Pacific. A live demonstration of the tuna’s preparation took place at a local restaurant Thursday evening, with a spokesperson assuring that every part of the fish, including its spinal fluid, would be used.