King Sailfish Mounts, of Fort Lauderdale, Florida has been selected to restore the original mount of the All-Tackle World Record Swordfish. According to statistics, the 1,182-pound fish was landed on May 7, 1953 off the coast of Iquique, Chile by angler Louis E. Marron. At the time it was the heaviest fish of any kind caught on rod & reel. Along with Alfred Glassell's World Record Black Marlin, this catch is one of the most notable sportfishing accomplishments of all time.
The original mount was made by the legendary Al Pflueger using some of the actual fish parts including the bill, head, tail and fins. The body, which was constructed of plaster and weighs nearly 200-pounds, has remained in relatively good condition. It is generally believed that the original mold used to produce this mount is no longer in existence.
Restoration efforts will include creating a fiberglass mold. This new mold will enable the shape and size of the fish to be preserved indefinitely and allow a new lightweight mount to be re-created using composite materials. The original fish parts will be treated and re-attached, to maintain authenticity.
Formerly on display at the Miami Beach Rod & Reel Club, the new home of this magnificent and historical mount will the International Game Fish Association Fishing Hall of Fame and Museum, located in Dania Beach, Florida.
