Fishing is more than just a recreational pastime or a way to put food on the table—it is a test of endurance, patience, and connection with the unknown. Few stories capture this spirit better than the tale of Grace Czerniak, a determined woman who set out from Ocean City, Maryland, in the summer of 1983 and ended up catching the largest tiger shark ever recorded in the state. Her epic battle with the sea giant remains one of the most remarkable fishing stories in American history.
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Catching the Largest Tiger Shark in Maryland
Ocean City, Maryland, is best known for its bustling boardwalk, family-friendly attractions, and miles of sandy beaches. But it is also a legendary destination for anglers seeking big-game catches. On July 9, 1983, Grace Czerniak of Buffalo, New York, embarked on a charter trip aboard the LISA with Captain Stuart Windsor and first mate Jim Liberto.
Equipped with an 80-pound line and a 5/8-inch stainless steel shank, Grace cast her baited hook into deep waters 27 miles offshore. It didn’t take long for her line to jerk violently—she had hooked something massive. For three and a half grueling hours, Grace fought with unwavering determination as the creature thrashed against her line. Eventually, the behemoth tiger shark surfaced beside the boat, its sheer size leaving everyone stunned. Knowing they couldn’t weigh the shark at sea, the crew set course back to shore to measure their extraordinary catch.
Weighing the Giant
Once docked, Grace faced another challenge: finding a scale large enough to weigh the shark. The tiger shark’s bulk drew a crowd of astonished anglers, many of whom suspected it could be a world record. After several calls, the Showell Poultry complex agreed to help. Using a pickup truck to haul the shark inland, the crew transported it to scales normally reserved for tractor trailers. The official weight stunned everyone—1,210 pounds.
For perspective, tiger sharks typically range between 850 and 1,400 pounds, placing Grace’s catch among the true leviathans of the species.
A World Record Lost in Legal Battles
Grace’s excitement quickly turned to disappointment when the International Game Fish Association (IGFA) refused to recognize her catch as a world record. The issue? Her 80-pound fishing line. According to IGFA rules, lines in the 37-kilogram (81.5-pound) class must break at or below the stated strength. Because her line could withstand pressure above 80 pounds, the catch was disqualified.
Feeling wronged, Grace and Captain Windsor pursued legal action against duPont deNemours and Company, the manufacturer of the line. They claimed duPont had misrepresented the product in earlier advertisements, making it unsuitable for record attempts. After a lengthy legal process, the courts sided with duPont in 1987, leaving Grace without the world record she had fought so hard for.
A Lasting Legacy on the Boardwalk
Despite the setback, Grace still holds the state record for the largest tiger shark ever caught in Maryland. Her catch remains an iconic part of Ocean City’s fishing history. Today, the preserved shark is displayed in a lighted case outside the Ocean City Life-Saving Station Museum, where thousands of visitors stop to marvel at its size each year. A nearby historical marker commemorates Grace’s remarkable feat, ensuring that her story continues to inspire future generations of anglers.
Sharks Off the Coast of Ocean City
While shark fishing is common offshore, sightings near the beach remain rare. Anglers in the region frequently encounter species such as smooth dogfish, Atlantic sharpnose sharks, scalloped hammerheads, sandbar sharks, and, of course, tiger sharks. The Ocean City Beach Patrol remains vigilant, monitoring the shoreline and alerting swimmers if sharks approach populated waters. Visitors are advised to swim near lifeguards, avoid swimming alone, and always follow posted safety warnings.
Grace Czerniak’s catch may not have earned her a world record, but it gave her a permanent place in Maryland’s fishing history. Her endurance, determination, and willingness to face a giant of the sea remind us why fishing is more than a sport—it is an adventure into the unknown.
FAQ
When did Grace Czerniak catch the shark?
July 9, 1983.
How much did the shark weigh?
1,210 pounds.
Why wasn’t it recognised as a world record?
The fishing line used exceeded the strength allowed in the 37-kilogram class under IGFA rules.
Where can you see the shark today?
On display outside the Ocean City Life-Saving Station Museum in Ocean City, Maryland.
