Huge shark, potentially eclipsing state record, reeled in near Connecticut coastline
In a historic catch off the coast of Stonington, Connecticut, Ed Lovely, a 46-year-old resident of Hampton, reeled in a potential record-breaking 700-pound Thresher shark on July 30, 2025.
The previous record, a 650-pound mako shark caught in 1987, has been surpassed by Lovely's impressive catch. The Thresher shark, known for its long tail that whips around, was approximately 16.5 feet long, making it both longer and heavier than the prior record.
Lovely's fishing trip started peacefully, but the shark attack occurred suddenly. He and his friend worked tirelessly for over six hours to reel in the massive creature. Due to its size, the shark could not fit in Lovely's 16-foot-long boat, so they tied it to the side and transported it with the help of a trailer.
"If there's one that big on the line, I will cut the line," Lovely stated, expressing his respect for the powerful sea creature. He advises anyone aspiring to catch a large shark to "go out there and try it."
Once the shark was reeled in, Lovely and his friend lay on the deck and laughed like kids, amazed by the catch. The shark's meat has been cut up, filleted, and put in coolers to be shared with friends and family.
Lovely is in communication with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to see if his catch will break the record. The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection is also reviewing Lovely's catch for the Marine Trophy Fish Award.
Lovely's typical shark fishing excursion involves placing balloons out to hold the bait to the desired depth. He takes any chance he gets to go out in the water and fish for sharks.
Lovely's wife Cynthia confirmed this exciting news to a local news website. The catch has sparked excitement in the local community, with many expressing admiration for Lovely's achievement.
As Lovely awaits the official confirmation of his new record, he remains humble about his accomplishment, stating, "I'm just a fisherman." However, there's no denying the historic nature of his catch, which is sure to be remembered for years to come.
The Thresher shark, a symbol of marine life, was caught in an environment rich with fish, off the coast of Stonington, Connecticut. Ed Lovely's extraordinary feat in sports, surpassing the previous record with a 700-pound shark, has stirred excitement among the locals and drew attention from sports enthusiasts.
