Massive 919-pound marlin caught during tournament

MOREHEAD CITY, N.C. (WCTI) - A record-breaking 900-pound marlin was caught during an annual tournament in North Carolina.

The 68th annual Big Rock Blue Marlin Tournament is underway in Morehead City. The competition is one of the largest sportsfishing events in the U.S.

One team, known as the Marlin Fever, set a new record by reeling a fish that weighed in at 919.9 pounds.

“I knew it was big, but when we actually saw it jumping, I was like, no, that’s too big. I don’t want that one. Next one, please,” Justin Petrilli, a Marlin Fever crew member, said.

The crew said they hooked up around 11 a.m. and fought for two hours with the massive marlin.

“It’s like a blur went by. I don’t really remember any of it right now,” Connor Daniel, the crew’s angler, said.

The catch didn’t just push Marlin Fever to the top of the leaderboard; if they hold on until the end of the tournament, that one fish could pay out more than $6.5 million.

“It’s hard to even think about that much money, but it’s a good year to do it, I guess,” Cameron Guthrie, the Marlin Fever’s captain, said.

While the crew is staring down a huge payday, the star teenage angler has his eyes on a much warmer prize.

“My dad said he’d get us a hot tub if we win. So, might get a hot tub actually. That’ll be nice,” Daniel said.

The tournament wraps up on Sunday.