(The International Game Fish Association 950-pound blue marlin caught off Mauritius in 1994 as the record.)

"It was without a doubt one of the most exhilarating things that I have ever done," Nuttall said of her catch. "I fish a lot back home in Australia. Although I have caught many sharks, ono, and ahi here at home, I have spent the last few years chasing my elusive first marlin."

Van Mols was hired specifically to find a blue marlin for Nuttall, and he knew that the fish weighed at least 900 pounds when it jumped soon after striking the lure. "She was kind of in shock," he said of the angler's response to such an impressive sight.