New NC State Record Blackfin Tuna Caught

On Saturday, March 24, Wally Trayah, of Oak Island, caught a fish that he will remember for a while. That fish was a 34.15 pound blackfin tuna, which was certified as a NC State Record earlier today. Trayah's fish, which was weighed and registered at Southport Bait & Tackle, eclipsed Jeffrey Brannan's old record by a mere .15 pound or about 2-1/2 ounces. The tuna was 35-3/4 inches long and had a 26 inch girth.

The tuna was caught on a blue and white Zuker, rigged with a ballyhoo. Trayah was fishing aboard the Excaliber, out of Southport Marina, with Scooter and Mack Aman. The tuna was caught 55 miles offshore, at The Steeples. They also had several other tuna and wahoo, including one 61 pounder on the trip. A picture of Trayah's tuna is available at www.ncdmf.net/releases/mar2001.html.

The North Carolina Division of Marine Fisheries maintains and certifies state records for saltwater fish and administers the NC Saltwater Fishing Tournament Program. This program recognizes outstanding catches, and releases. Participating anglers are awarded certificates for catches of or above established minimum weights and live releases of many species. For more information on this program, you can visit the Marine Fisheries web site at www.ncdmf.net or contact them at (252) 726-7021 or (800) 682-2632.