OCEAN CITY, MD—A North Carolina angler has shattered Maryland’s 30-year-old state record for false albacore, landing a 23.5-pound fish off the coast of Ocean City last week. Timothy K. Shaarda, 47, of Clayton, N.C., officially claimed the new state record in the Atlantic Division, surpassing the previous mark by a full pound.
Shaarda’s record-breaking catch occurred on July 12 while he was fishing aboard the “Hawgfin,” captained by Kurt Howell, between the Washington and Norfolk canyons. The crew was trolling for tuna with a “wide tracker” spreader rig, using a Purple Stinger trailer, when the powerful false albacore struck.
Initially, the large fish was mistaken for a yellowfin tuna, and Shaarda nearly released it. However, the crew quickly realized it was a false albacore, with Captain Howell noting it was the largest he had ever witnessed. Howell, who was also present when Kevin Sheckells set the previous 22.5-pound record on June 25, 1995, encouraged Shaarda to seek a certified weight.
The fish was officially weighed at 23.5 pounds at the Ocean City Fishing Center. Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) fisheries biologist Steve Doctor confirmed the species.
An avid offshore angler, Shaarda received a congratulatory call from former record holder Kevin Sheckells, a testament to the camaraderie within the fishing community.
False albacore, also known as little tunny, are a common tuna species in the western Atlantic, ranging from Massachusetts to Brazil. While abundant, they rarely exceed 20 pounds, making Shaarda’s 23.5-pound catch particularly notable.
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources maintains state records for sport fish across four divisions: Atlantic, Chesapeake, Nontidal, and Invasive. Anglers who believe they have caught a potential record-setting fish are advised to download and complete the state record application and contact the department at 443-569-1398. The DNR recommends immersing the fish in ice water to preserve its weight until it can be officially checked, confirmed, and certified.
Photo: The new state record false albacore is weighed at Ocean City Fishing Center (left and center); record-holder Timothy K. Shaarda of Clayton, North Carolina, is seen at right holding a different fish. Photos courtesy Timothy Shaarda, collage by Maryland Department of Natural Resources.
