A new state fishing record has been set in North Carolina for Almaco Jack, a species known for its powerful runs and deepwater fights. The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality’s Division of Marine Fisheries has officially certified the massive 56-pound, 4.8-ounce catch as the new benchmark, obliterating the previous state record by more than 20 pounds.
The fish was landed on June 7, 2025, by Warren Poirier, an experienced angler from Charles City, Virginia. He was fishing offshore from the Outer Banks near a location known locally as “The Rocks,” a well-known hotspot for pelagic species and bottom dwellers alike. Poirier was fishing aboard a charter with Captain James Bowman, who has earned a reputation for putting clients on big game fish in North Carolina’s productive offshore waters.
Poirier’s record-setting Almaco Jack struck a Zest brand jig during an early morning drop in roughly 200 feet of water. The fight was grueling. For 45 minutes, Poirier worked the fish to the surface, applying steady pressure with a Shimano Trevala rod paired with a Saltist 5000 spinning reel, spooled with 80-pound braided line. According to the angler, the fish made several strong runs toward the bottom before finally tiring out.
Measuring 46 inches in fork length and boasting an impressive 31-inch girth, the fish had all the hallmarks of a potential record-breaker. After getting it aboard, the crew immediately recognized its size and potential. The fish was taken to Teach’s Lair Marina, a reputable location for certified weigh-ins, where it tipped the scales at 56 pounds, 4.8 ounces. The catch was then submitted and reviewed by the Division of Marine Fisheries, which later confirmed it as the new state record.
The previous North Carolina state record for Almaco Jack stood at 33 pounds, 12.6 ounces, and had only been set in 2024—making Poirier’s catch not just a record-breaker, but a significant leap forward in the state’s saltwater fishing history.
Almaco Jack (Seriola rivoliana) is a species often overshadowed by its more famous cousins, such as amberjack and yellowtail. However, among offshore anglers, Almaco are prized for their intense fights and excellent table fare. Found in warm, offshore waters, they tend to congregate around deep reefs, oil rigs, and shipwrecks, making them a common target for jigging enthusiasts.
Captain Bowman noted that this catch is a testament to the Outer Banks’ reputation as one of the premier offshore fishing destinations on the East Coast. “The structure out here holds fish year-round,” he said. “We’ve been seeing some solid Almaco Jacks lately, but nothing like this.”
For Poirier, the catch was a dream come true. “I knew it was big the moment it hit,” he shared. “But I didn’t expect it to be a state record. It just about pulled me overboard during the first few minutes. This one’s going to be hard to top.”
The North Carolina Division of Marine Fisheries encourages anglers who think they may have caught a potential record fish to visit the State Saltwater Records webpage or contact the North Carolina Saltwater Fishing Tournament staff at saltwater.citations@deq.nc.gov for more information on the proper certification process.
As the 2025 saltwater fishing season heats up, North Carolina continues to produce trophy-sized fish and record-setting opportunities for dedicated anglers. With strong summer currents and warm water pushing bait offshore, opportunities to hook into something extraordinary—like Poirier’s Almaco Jack—are better than ever.
Whether you’re a seasoned offshore veteran or planning your first charter trip to the Outer Banks, now is a great time to chase hard-fighting species like Almaco Jack, especially with the season’s momentum already delivering historic results.
Image/Source: islandfreepress
