A remarkable achievement by a young angler has brought new excitement to the world of fishing. Cooper Clark, a 19-year-old student at Salisbury University, has set a new Maryland state record for false albacore, a species that is often overlooked but highly prized by anglers. Clark's catch, weighing in at 28.2 pounds, was made off the coast of Ocean City on July 3, 2026, and it has already left a lasting impact on the fishing community.
What makes this record even more intriguing is the initial reaction of Clark and his fishing party. They initially thought they had caught a small bluefin tuna, a more sought-after species, and planned to use the fish as bait. Only after bringing it into the boat did they realize the true nature of their catch. This highlights the importance of proper identification and the potential for hidden gems in the fishing world.
False albacore, scientifically known as Euthynnus alletteratus, are not only challenging to catch but also hold significant value. Their flesh is dark and not typically consumed, but their hard-fighting nature and the fact that they are closely related to mackerel make them a favorite among anglers. The species is a frequent visitor to the Ocean City area during the summer months, and Clark's catch is a testament to the thrill of angling in this region.
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources plays a crucial role in recognizing and verifying such records. Gary Tyler, a DNR fisheries biologist, certified the weight of Clark's catch on a certified scale at Sunset Marina on July 4. This process ensures the integrity of the record and provides valuable data for the department's conservation efforts.
The false albacore record is just one of many maintained by the Department of Natural Resources. These records are divided into four divisions: Atlantic, Chesapeake, Nontidal, and Invasive. Anglers who believe they have caught a potential record-setting fish are encouraged to complete the state record application and contact the department for verification.
This achievement by Cooper Clark not only showcases his skill as an angler but also brings attention to the lesser-known yet fascinating world of false albacore fishing. It serves as a reminder that every catch, no matter how small or seemingly insignificant, could potentially hold a special place in the records of fishing history.
