News Summary
Warren Poirier, a fisherman from Virginia, recently caught a historical 56-pound, 4.8-ounce almaco jack off the coast of North Carolina, shattering the previous state record. The impressive catch, made during a fishing trip with Captain James Bowman, highlights Poirier’s skill and endurance as he battled the fish for 45 minutes. His achievement is celebrated within the local fishing community and adds to the traditions of sport fishing in the Outer Banks.
Hatteras, North Carolina – Warren Poirier, a fisherman from Charles City, Virginia, set a new state record on June 27 by catching a 56-pound, 4.8-ounce almaco jack off the North Carolina coast. This remarkable catch surpassed the previous state record for almaco jack by an impressive 23 pounds.
The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality’s Division of Marine Fisheries announced Poirier’s record, highlighting the significance of his achievement in the local fishing community. Poirier’s fish, which measured 46 inches in fork length and boasted a girth of 31 inches, was land-based after a strenuous 45-minute fight that showcased both skill and endurance.
Poirier, who had intentions of mounting the large fish, collaborated closely with Captain James Bowman during the trip. On June 7, they set out from a marina in Hatteras along with other anglers. As the day began to wind down, Poirier requested a stop at a fishing spot known as “The Rocks,” hoping for his chance at a big catch.
Throughout the fight, Poirier encountered challenges, primarily due to the light tackle he utilized for this pursuit. Despite his struggles, which led to some light-hearted teasing from his fishing companions who were reeling in fish with ease, Poirier remained focused on landing the almaco jack.
Upon finally bringing the fish aboard, the crew quickly recognized the achievement at hand. Observing the reactions of other captains who were taken aback by the fish’s size emphasized the catch’s significance in terms of both state records and fishing accolades.
Before Poirier’s historic catch, the state record for almaco jack was set at 33 pounds, 12.6 ounces in 2024, establishing a new benchmark for anglers in North Carolina. Almaco jacks, known for their unique physical characteristics including long bodies and dusky coloration adorned with amber and olive stripes, are formidable fish capable of reaching lengths over five feet and weights around 136 pounds.
Poirier’s successful catch utilized a Shimano Trevala rod and a Saltist 5000 reel, paired with an 80-pound braided line. The almaco jack struck his Zest brand jig while fishing at a depth of 400 feet, further asserting the skills and techniques required in offshore fishing.
Captain James Bowman, who has been operating his boat “Marlin Mania” out of the Hatteras Inlet for four decades, expressed enthusiasm over Poirier’s record-breaking fish. He highlighted the rarity of such significant catches, underscoring the efforts and dedication of anglers targeting large game fish in coastal waters.
Poirier plans to commemorate his achievement by having a replica mount created by Gray’s Taxidermy, allowing him to showcase the record fish and remember the day he made history along the North Carolina coast.
This record-setting achievement serves as an inspiring story for anglers and fishing enthusiasts, demonstrating the potential for extraordinary encounters on the water. Poirier’s moment of triumph reflects not only personal success but also contributes to the rich tradition of sport fishing along the Outer Banks.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
New North Carolina State Record Set by Angler
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Virginia Fisherman Breaks North Carolina Almaco Jack Record
New State Record Set for Almaco Jack in North Carolina
Additional Resources
- Pilot Online
- Fox News
- Wired 2 Fish
- WPDE News
- AOL News
- Wikipedia: Almaco Jack
- Google Search: Almaco Jack
- Google Scholar: Almaco Jack Fishing Records
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Almaco Jack
- 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.
