News Summary
Jody and Oden Hopkins made headlines after catching two state record fish off the coast of North Carolina. Jody set a record with a 7-pound Channel Scabbardfish, while Oden’s catch of a Spinycheek Scorpionfish tied the unofficial world record, highlighting the vibrant marine life in the Atlantic waters.
Grimesland, North Carolina – On July 13, Jody Hopkins and his son Oden made headlines by catching state record fish while fishing in the Atlantic Ocean off the Outer Banks. These remarkable catches were reported by the North Carolina Division of Marine Fisheries on July 30, highlighting a rare achievement in the world of angling.
Jody Hopkins established a state record for the Channel Scabbardfish, weighing in at 7 pounds, 3.2 ounces, and measuring 60 inches in total length with a girth of 10.25 inches. The fish was caught in nearly 700 feet of water, using specialized tackle that included a torpedo jig, a Dragon Strike DSC-633 rod, and a Gomexus SX450L reel with a 30-pound line and a 50-pound leader. While Jody’s catch marked a significant accomplishment at the state level, the current world record for Channel Scabbardfish is 9 pounds, 9 ounces, set in the Bahamas in 2023 by another angler.
Additionally, Oden Hopkins landed a Spinycheek Scorpionfish measuring 20.63 inches and weighing 4 pounds, 6.4 ounces. This catch is noteworthy as it “unofficially” ties the International Game Fish Association’s world record for this particular species, which was caught off the coast of Virginia in 2015. Both fish species are rarely encountered, accounting for the absence of prior state records.
The impressive record-setting catches took place while the father-son duo was jigging 33 miles off the coast of Ocracoke, North Carolina. Following the catch, Jody’s Channel Scabbardfish was taken to the North Carolina Division of Marine Fisheries Headquarters for identification and biological sampling. In collaboration with the North Carolina Museum of Natural Science, biologists worked to document and sample the fish to contribute to the museum’s collection.
It is essential for anglers to exercise caution when handling scorpionfish, as they possess venomous spines that can inflict painful stings. This warning emphasizes the need for careful handling of these species, particularly for novice anglers or those unaware of the potentially hazardous aspects of fishing.
The Outer Banks area of North Carolina, approximately a 200-mile drive southeast from Raleigh, has become known for providing excellent fishing opportunities, attracting anglers from various locales. The North Carolina Division of Marine Fisheries has recognized another recent fishing achievement in the region. On June 7, 2025, Warren Poirier caught a 56-pound, 4.8-ounce almaco jack, which surpassed the previous state record of 33 pounds, 12.6 ounces set in 2024. This almaco jack measured 46 inches in fork length and included a girth of 31 inches. Poirier caught the fish at “The Rocks,” with Captain James Bowman, using a Zest brand jig and engaged in a 45-minute battle to land the impressive catch.
These recent record catches by Jody and Oden Hopkins are not only a testament to their skill as anglers but also highlight the thriving marine life present off the coast of North Carolina. As the fishing community continues to celebrate these achievements, the story of the Hopkins’ remarkable day in the waters of the Outer Banks stands as a guide for aspiring anglers and a reminder of the hidden treasures that lie beneath the surface of the ocean.
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Additional Resources
- Carolina Sportsman: NC Has New Almaco Jack State Record
- Google Search: almaco jack record North Carolina
- WSPA: Fisherman Sets New Record with Giant Catch Near North Carolina Coast
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Almaco Jack
- WCTI: Virginia Angler Breaks North Carolina Almaco Jack Record
- Google News: North Carolina fishing records
- Fox News: Fisherman Lands Enormous 56-Pound Almaco Jack Breaking State Record
- Wikipedia: Fishing
Author: STAFF HERE OUTER BANKS WRITER
The OBX STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREOBX.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in the Outer Banks, Dare County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Outer Banks Seafood Festival, NC VIP Fishing Tournament, and NCBBA Red Drum Tournament. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Outer Banks Chamber of Commerce and Outer Banks Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in tourism, retail, and hospitality that power the local economy such as Kitty Hawk Kites, Outer Banks Mall, and Avon Fishing Pier. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAsheville.com, HERECharlotte.com, HEREGreensboro.com, and HERERaleigh.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.
