The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality’s Division of Marine Fisheries has certified a new state record for Almaco Jack, scientifically known as Seriola rivoliana. The record-breaking fish was caught by Warren Poirier from Charles City, Virginia.
On June 7, 2025, Poirier landed the 56-pound, 4.8-ounce Almaco Jack off the Outer Banks. This catch surpasses the previous state record of 33 pounds, 12.6 ounces set in 2024.
Poirier was fishing with Captain James Bowman at The Rocks when he hooked the fish using a Zest brand jig. The battle to reel in the fish lasted 45 minutes and involved a Shimano Trevala rod and Saltist 5000 reel equipped with an 80-pound braid.
The Almaco Jack measured 46 inches in fork length and had a girth of 31 inches. It was officially weighed at Teach’s Lair Marina.
For additional details on state record fish, individuals can visit the division’s State Saltwater Records webpage or reach out to the North Carolina Saltwater Fishing Tournament staff via email at saltwater.citations@deq.nc.gov.
A photo of Poirier with his catch is available for download.
