When 15-year-old Ethan Lynch of Amesbury reeled up a massive blue shark last August near Jeffrey's Ledge, about 20 miles off Rockport, little did he know that it would someday earn him a chance to be lauded by the state for his angling efforts.
But that's what happened this weekend when the state's Department of Fish and Game (DFG) recognized Lynch for catching the largest blue shark on record, weighing in at 458 pounds, 2 ounces. The recognition came as part of a weekend-long ceremony honoring more than 80 of the state's freshwater and saltwater anglers at the DCU Center in Worcester.
Lynch was honored Sunday by DFG Commissioner Mary Griffin and Division of Marine Fisheries Director Paul Diodati for being one of the many winners of the state's Saltwater Fishing Derby.
"It was something different, I've never done it before," Lynch said Sunday evening.
Lynch said it was a little nerve-wracking heading up to the stage to collect his trophy and meet state officials.
"But it was really cool," he added.
Joining him on Sunday was his father, Chip, younger brother, Noah, his mother, grandmother, sister and a family friend.
"It's been a journey on this, and Ethan has got a lot out of it," Chip Lynch said.
On Aug. 9, Lynch was with his father and his younger brother on the Erica Lee II as part of the Coastal Discoveries Program offered by Erica Lee II Charters based in Newburyport, when he caught the gargantuan fish. Lynch's fish beat the previous record, a 454-pound blue shark caught in 1996.
Coastal Discoveries is a weeklong marine education camp that allows kids ages 9 and older the chance to explore area waters, learn more about the creatures that inhabit the region and do a little fishing.
Bob Yeomans, captain of the Erica Lee II, said it was very rare to catch a blue shark that big. Most of them range between 8 and 10 feet long and are caught and then released, he said. Ethan hooked and reeled in his 12-foot shark after a 35-minute struggle about 20 miles off Rockport near Jeffreys Ledge, a fishing grounds northeast of Cape Ann. The ledge extends northward to mid-way up the Maine coast.
In the days following his feat, Lynch's fish tale spread across the country, winning him much praise but also some criticism from bloggers.
"It's good to see that, a little bit of an educational experience," Chip Lynch said.
An avid fisherman for years, Lynch said back in August he never misses an opportunity to go fishing, be it deep sea or freshwater. Both his brother and father fish frequently, as well.
Chip Lynch said his son has been itching to get back fishing in hopes of beating his own record, a point discussed at great length during the car ride back to Amesbury.
"That's all we heard on the drive home," Chip Lynch said.
In all, four saltwater state records were set during 2011 and four anglers, including Lynch, received awards from Division of Marine Fisheries Saltwater Fishing Derby program.
"Across the state, anglers of all ages and abilities can find spectacular lakes, ponds, rivers and coastlines for fishing," said Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Richard K. Sullivan Jr. "We're pleased to honor these outstanding anglers for their big catches."
David Rogers may be contacted at drogers@gloucestertimes.com.
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