North Carolina, October 17, 2025
News Summary
Recent fishing expeditions off the coast of North Carolina have resulted in several new state records. Notable catches include Henry Barksdale’s 60-pound Almaco Jack and Colby Shaw’s 7-pound vermilion snapper. The Hopkins brothers also set records for Channel Scabbardfish and Spinycheek Scorpionfish. These achievements not only showcase angler skill but also highlight the thriving marine ecosystem in North Carolina, promoting sustainable fishing practices and raising awareness about aquatic conservation.
Record Fish Caught in North Carolina
Recent fishing endeavors off the coast of North Carolina have led to multiple state records being broken, as anglers reel in impressive catches this year. Henry Barksdale, hailing from Sutherland, Virginia, shattered the previous North Carolina state record for Almaco Jack when he caught a fish that weighed 60 pounds, 8 ounces and measured 46 inches in length with a 32-inch girth. This significant catch occurred on September 18 while he was fishing off Hatteras. Barksdale used an Okuma Cedros rod and Daiwa Saltist LD 50 reel equipped with an 80-pound braid to complete this extraordinary achievement.
In another remarkable feat, on April 18, Colby Shaw from Newport, North Carolina, made history by setting a new state record for vermilion snapper. His catch weighed 7 pounds, 4 ounces, surpassing the previous record of 6 pounds, 9 ounces set in 2009. Shaw’s record-breaking vermilion snapper had a fork length of 23.5 inches and a girth of 17 inches. He caught the fish while fishing offshore south of Beaufort Inlet, using cut bait on a Shimano rod and reel with 65-pound braid.
Hopkins Brothers Achieve State Records
On July 13, Jody and Oden Hopkins set their own state records while fishing off the Outer Banks. Jody Hopkins established a new record for Channel Scabbardfish at 7 pounds, 3.2 ounces and measuring 60 inches long with a girth of 10.25 inches. Oden Hopkins set a record for Spinycheek Scorpionfish, weighing 4 pounds, 6.4 ounces and measuring 20.63 inches long. Both catches were made approximately 33 miles off Ocracoke in nearly 700 feet of water. The brothers used a torpedo jig, a Dragon Strike DSC-633 rod, and a Gomexus SX450L reel paired with a 30-pound line and 50-pound leader.
Channel Scabbardfish are seldom encountered, and there is insufficient data regarding their maximum size. As a result of Jody’s record catch, the fish was sent for identification at the North Carolina Division of Marine Fisheries Headquarters in Morehead City. Biologists from the Division, together with the North Carolina Museum of Natural Science, collected genetic samples from the Channel Scabbardfish, which will be included in the museum’s permanent specimen collection.
Background on North Carolina Fishing Records
Fishing in North Carolina has a long-standing tradition, with the state being home to a variety of fish species, both inshore and offshore. The records are maintained to celebrate the achievements of anglers, as well as to promote sustainable fishing practices. The recent string of record catches indicates a thriving marine ecosystem, drawing fishing enthusiasts from near and far.
Importance of State Fishing Records
State fishing records serve not only as a source of pride for anglers but also as crucial indicators of the health of aquatic life in the waters. When new records are set, it encourages discussions around conservation and responsible fishing practices, underlining the need to protect fish habitats.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who broke the North Carolina state record for Almaco Jack?
Henry Barksdale from Sutherland, Virginia, broke the North Carolina state record for Almaco Jack, weighing 60 pounds, 8 ounces.
What was the weight and size of the vermilion snapper caught by Colby Shaw?
Colby Shaw’s vermilion snapper weighed 7 pounds, 4 ounces, with a fork length of 23.5 inches and a girth of 17 inches.
What state records were set by Jody and Oden Hopkins on July 13?
Jody Hopkins set a record for Channel Scabbardfish at 7 pounds, 3.2 ounces and Oden Hopkins set a record for Spinycheek Scorpionfish at 4 pounds, 6.4 ounces.
What was the location of the Hopkins brothers’ catches?
Both catches were made 33 miles off Ocracoke in nearly 700 feet of water.
What happened to the Channel Scabbardfish caught by Jody Hopkins?
The record Channel Scabbardfish was sent for identification to the North Carolina Division of Marine Fisheries Headquarters in Morehead City.
Chart of Key Features
| Angler | Fish Type | Weight | Length | Girth | Date | Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Henry Barksdale | Almaco Jack | 60 lbs, 8 oz | 46 in | 32 in | September 18 | Off Hatteras |
| Colby Shaw | Vermilion Snapper | 7 lbs, 4 oz | 23.5 in | 17 in | April 18 | Offshore south of Beaufort Inlet |
| Jody Hopkins | Channel Scabbardfish | 7 lbs, 3.2 oz | 60 in | 10.25 in | July 13 | Off Outer Banks |
| Oden Hopkins | Spinycheek Scorpionfish | 4 lbs, 6.4 oz | 20.63 in | N/A | July 13 | Off Outer Banks |
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Additional Resources
- WITN: Snapper Man Reels State Record Breaking Vermilion Snapper
- Wikipedia: Fishing in North Carolina
- WNCT: N.C. Fisherman Lands New Record Breaking Bulleye Fish
- Google Search: North Carolina Fishing Records
- News Observer: Record Setting Fish Caught in North Carolina
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Fishing
- WCTI: Newport Angler Lands State Record Vermilion Snapper
- Google Scholar: North Carolina Fishing Records
- Carolina Sportsman: New NC Vermilion Snapper Record
- Google News: North Carolina Fishing Records
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.
