# A 446-pound bluefin on rod and reel

> Markus Medak pulled a world-record bluefin out of the water off San Diego with nothing but a rod, a reel, and a friend.
- Title: A 446-pound bluefin on rod and reel · OutKick | Shortify
- Summary: Markus Medak pulled a world-record bluefin out of the water off San Diego with nothing but a rod, a reel, and a friend. The biggest bluefin ever landed on…
- Keywords: fishing, bluefin tuna, san diego, world record, el nino, news, politics, 446-pound, bluefin, rod, reel, OutKick
- Source: OutKick — https://foxnews.com/outkick-culture/world-record-bluefin-tuna-caught-coast-san-diego-rod-reel-sport-fisherman
- Author: Austin Perry
- Published: 2026-09-12T00:00:00+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: fishing, bluefin tuna, san diego, world record, el nino, news, politics
## A record off San Diego
A world-record bluefin tuna was pulled from the water off the Southern California coast this week, close enough to shore that local sushi counters felt it.
## Nearly 500 pounds, by hand
Markus Medak of Shearwater Fishing landed the fish with one other angler, using only a rod and reel. No harpoon, no commercial gear.
## 446 pounds on the scale
Gilled and gutted, the tuna weighed 446 pounds, the largest bluefin ever taken on rod and reel according to the New York Post.
## Nobody said a word
When the fish came up alongside the boat, the two anglers just stared at it. Medak told a local FOX affiliate they went silent.

> We both got a look at it, and we didn't even say anything
## More tackle boxes
Tommy Gomes of Tunaville Market in Point Loma called the catch a big deal for San Diego sportfishing, and turned it into a pitch for teaching kids to fish.

> The world needs more tackle boxes and less Xboxes
## Blame the Super El Nino
Gomes thinks this year's warm water pushed exotic species north. The fish was broken down in a live demo, with every part used, spinal fluid included.
## Key takeaway

The biggest bluefin ever landed on rod and reel came in at 446 pounds off San Diego, and warm El Nino water may be why it was there at all.