Recently, the North Carolina Division of Marine Fisheries (DMF) certified three fish as state fishing records. Among them were a yellowmouth grouper, a white grunt, and an amaco jack fish. Christopher Hyche reeled in the yellowmouth grouper, which weighed 23 pounds and measured 33.5 inches in length. The colorful yellowmouth grouper is known for its distinct yellow coloring on the inside and corners of its mouth. According to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), yellowmouth groupers typically weigh up to 20 pounds. Despite being just 3 ounces short of a world record, this catch was a remarkable achievement for Hyche.
Joshua Pendleton, a North Carolina native, set his own fishing record by catching a 5-pound, 3.2-ounce white grunt. Measuring 20.38 inches, it was a significant catch, as confirmed by his fishing partner who had been fishing in those waters for 30 years. White grunt fish are known for their light bluish-gray body with hints of bronze or yellow. They are recognizable for the grunting noise they make by grinding their pharyngeal teeth together. Pendleton shared that the moment he reeled in the fish, he knew it was special, given its size and appearance. It only took him a few minutes to bring the white grunt to the surface.
The third state record was an almaco jack caught by Roberto Cancel III. Weighing in at 33 pounds and 12.16 ounces, Cancel spent more than 30 minutes reeling in this impressive fish. The diverse marine life in North Carolina’s coastal waters offers anglers a variety of species to target. The NC Division of Marine Fisheries typically certifies several new state records each year, with a surge in applications during the summer months when the weather warms up.
North Carolina’s coastal fisheries are home to a wide range of fish species that make their homes in the waters up to three miles offshore. These fish are considered a public trust resource, emphasizing the importance of conservation and sustainable fishing practices. Migratory fish also traverse the East Coast, traveling from three to 200 miles offshore and beyond. This diverse marine ecosystem provides ample opportunities for anglers to pursue various fish species throughout the year.
The DMF’s sport fishing specialist highlighted the significance of these state record catches, noting that North Carolina is a premier fishing destination with several world-record fish landed in its waters. The thrill of setting a new state record adds to the excitement for anglers and underscores the exceptional fishing opportunities available along the coast. The DMF encourages anglers to engage in responsible fishing practices to ensure the continued health and abundance of fish populations for future generations to enjoy.
As these record-setting anglers bask in the glory of their achievements, their catches serve as a testament to the rich marine biodiversity found off the coast of North Carolina. The waters teem with life, offering a vast and vibrant ecosystem for fishing enthusiasts to explore. From colorful groupers to grunting white grunts and powerful almaco jacks, the variety of fish species present in North Carolina’s coastal waters showcases the state’s commitment to conservation and sustainable fisheries management.
In conclusion, the recent state fishing records set in North Carolina underscore the state’s reputation as a top fishing destination. Anglers like Christopher Hyche, Joshua Pendleton, and Roberto Cancel III have showcased their skill and passion for fishing by landing impressive catches that have earned them a place in the state record books. As more anglers discover the bountiful waters off the coast of North Carolina, the legacy of exceptional fishing experiences and record-setting catches will continue to thrive.
