North Carolina certifies state-record graysby grouper

May 29, 2026

Summary

North Carolina certified a 3-pound, 8-ounce graysby grouper as a new state record caught off Southport on May 16.

Why this matters

The certification sets a new North Carolina benchmark for graysby grouper and, according to state officials, matches the current all-tackle world record unofficially. It also documents a notable catch from North Carolina waters.

North Carolina officials certified a new state-record graysby grouper caught by Wyatt Rabon of Leland.

The Division of Marine Fisheries said Rabon landed the 3-pound, 8-ounce fish May 16 while fishing about 45 miles offshore of Southport. The catch surpassed the previous state record, set in 2022, by just under half a pound.

State officials said the fish also unofficially tied the current International Game Fish Association all-tackle world record for graysby grouper, which was caught off South Carolina in 2023.

Rabon was fishing with his father and friends aboard their personal boat when he hooked the fish using live pinfish as bait. He landed it on 100-pound test with a Shimano rod-and-reel setup.

The group had been targeting grouper and triggerfish and nearly cleaned the fish after returning home before realizing it could qualify as a record catch.

According to state officials, graysby grouper are a smaller shallow-water grouper species found in the South Atlantic. They have tan bodies covered in small red dots and rounded tail fins.

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The Division of Marine Fisheries said Rabon landed the 3-pound, 8-ounce fish May 16 while fishing about 45 miles offshore of Southport. The catch surpassed the previous state record, set in 2022, by just under half a pound.

State officials said the fish also unofficially tied the current International Game Fish Association all-tackle world record for graysby grouper, which was caught off South Carolina in 2023.

Rabon was fishing with his father and friends aboard their personal boat when he hooked the fish using live pinfish as bait. He landed it on 100-pound test with a Shimano rod-and-reel setup.

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According to state officials, graysby grouper are a smaller shallow-water grouper species found in the South Atlantic. They have tan bodies covered in small red dots and rounded tail fins.
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