Photo courtesy Byron Goss, Co-owner Big Time Bait & Tackle Marathon

Marathon, Fla. A huge 683 pound swordfish was caught off the coast of Florida Tuesday By Little Torch Key’s Mike Driskell / Mike fought the fish for two hours. Captain Bill Rabito Jr. was able to gaff the fish and help pull it aboard.

Two fish weighing more than 500 pounds each were caught in the keys over the last ten days.

On March 25 Fred Beshara caught a 520-pound swordfish off Islamorada.

Because the fish were both caught using the assistance of electric reels they will not be eligible to be recorded as state records. Still these are some huge fish and while not official, are records in my book.

The broadbill fish was hooked about 30 miles south of Marathon. The bait was a 5 pound bonito. The fish was weighed in on a state certified scale at Key Colony Beach Marina.

About a hundred and fifty spectators got a nice treat of free fresh swordfish steaks. (I wish I was one of them).

This really goes to show that big fish are off the Florida keys.

If you are hoping to land your own whopper you will need to get on board and find a good charter boat. The keys are a personal favorite of mine and a place the whole family will enjoy.

To plan your next Florida keys excursion try these websites that will link you to every thing you need for a fabulous Florida Keys vacation.

KeysToday.com offers videos, a store, and lots of interesting Keys information.

To book charters, find a room, meal or almost anything you want in Key West. Try PlanetKeyWest.com.

If you go, please send me a picture and a story about your adventures. Who knows maybe you will catch the next big one.