Keith Lusher 06.20.25
A family fishing trip turned into the catch of a lifetime for Thibodaux fisherman Lee Grafton, who reeled in a massive 350.8-pound broadbill swordfish during an outing in the Gulf of America.
Grafton embarked on the fishing trip with a crew that included his son, close friends, and his son’s companions, launching from Grand Isle aboard a specialized 33-foot Encore custom aluminum catamaran crafted by Encore Boat Works in Sorrento.
The epic battle began around 9:50 a.m. when Grafton’s Daiwa MP 3000 electric reel started screaming. His setup included a rigged squid secured to a 200-pound leader with 300-pound test line, a combination that would prove crucial for the marathon fight ahead.
What followed was an exhausting three-and-a-half-hour struggle that tested both man and equipment. Grafton didn’t bring the giant fish to the boat until 1:15 p.m., with the final 90 minutes requiring manual cranking when the electric reel could no longer handle the strain.
“The hardest part was keeping it from breaking off,” Grafton explained. “The sheer weight made it nearly impossible to gain any ground. I had to switch to using gloves and hand lines just to make progress.”
The successful landing was a team effort, with family and friends capturing photos alongside the impressive catch. The group plans to process the fish themselves, keeping portions for their families while sharing the bounty with others.
Grafton intends to preserve the memory by mounting the swordfish’s distinctive bill and is considering having a full replica created of the entire fish.
While Grafton has landed larger fish in his angling career, this particular swordfish would have claimed the Louisiana state record by a margin of 40 pounds. However, the catch cannot be officially certified for record status due to the use of an electric reel, which disqualifies it under state fishing regulations
Beyond hosting his show “Keep on Castin,” Grafton’s latest adventure will likely become one of his most memorable fishing stories. The experience provided not just an impressive catch, but also quality time spent with family and friends on the water.
While the swordfish won’t earn official record status, the memories created during that June morning in the Gulf will no doubt last a lifetime. For Grafton and his crew, sometimes the best catches are measured not just in pounds but in the shared excitement of an unforgettable day at sea.
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