Warren Poirier, a Virginia angler, has made history by catching a new state record for almaco jack in North Carolina, a feat that has been officially recognized by the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality’s Division of Marine Fisheries. The fish, weighing 56 pounds and 4.8 ounces, measures 46 inches in fork length and 31 inches in girth, setting a new benchmark for the species in the state. This achievement supersedes the previous record of 33 pounds and 12.6 ounces set in 2024, highlighting Poirier’s expertise and the challenging conditions of the Outer Banks.
Poirier, who was fishing with Captain James Bowman at ‘The Rocks’ in the Outer Banks, was engaged in a 45-minute battle with the formidable almaco jack. The fish struck Poirier’s Zest brand jig, leading to a dramatic struggle that required the use of his Shimano Trevala rod and Saltist 5000 reel with 80-pound braid to reel it in. The fish was then weighed at Teach’s Lair Marina in Hatteras, where its impressive size was confirmed. According to NOAA Fisheries, almaco jacks are known for their potential to grow up to a little over 5 feet in length and weigh as much as 136 pounds, with a distinctive dusky color and light amber/olive stripes along their sides.
Almaco jacks are commonly found in coastal waters, with their range extending from the Atlantic, Gulf of America, Pacific Islands, and occasionally even in Southern California. This widespread distribution underscores their adaptability to various marine environments, making them a prized catch for anglers. The record-breaking catch not only brings recognition to Poirier but also highlights the importance of marine conservation efforts, as the Division of Marine Fisheries plays a crucial role in monitoring and managing fish populations to ensure sustainable fishing practices. The event is a testament to the challenges and rewards of angling, as well as the dedicated community behind marine sport fishing.