A new state record was set this week after a Maryland man caught a nearly 73-pound mahi-mahi near Ocean City, beating a record previously set in 1985.

Jeff Wright, 34, was merely practicing his skills with some friends at Poor Man's Canyon when his fishing rod "went crazy shortly after noon" and he ended up with a 72.8-pound mahi-mahi (also known as a common dolphinfish) on the end of his line, a new record for the state of Maryland. Wright had been practicing for the upcoming White Marlin Open when he made the record-breaking catch.

🐟 NEW STATE RECORD: Cambridge Angler Reels in Record Mahi Mahi near Ocean City. Catch Tops Maryland Record Held Since 1985. https://t.co/jbEOn41Om3 pic.twitter.com/Mdu9PU9QXz

— Maryland DNR (@MarylandDNR) July 30, 2019

The previous Maryland state record was set 34 years ago by Kym Lawson, who pulled in a 67.8-pound common dolphinfish, according to the Maryland Department of Natural Resources. In 1976, a world record for the biggest mahi-mahi ever caught was made in Costa Rica with a whopping 87-pound fish.

Setting this record was no easy feat for Wright, though, as it took him 25 minutes to reel it in. "I had to play it until it finally gave up," he said.

"It’s really exciting to see anglers like Wright break records that have been on the books for decades," said Erik Zlokovitz, Recreational Fishing Outreach Coordinator, in a statement. "It just shows that with a little patience you could find yourself a part of Maryland’s angling history."

A state biologist had identified the mahi-mahi, and its weight was certified by Sunset Marina in Ocean City.

Congratulations, Jeff Wright, on this incredible accomplishment!