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State record Puddingwife Wrasse caught in NC may be world record catch as well

Connor Stone of Southport caught the 3-pound, 11-ounce fish 10 miles off Southport on July 27.
Photo provided by N.C. Division of Marine Fisheries
Connor Stone of Southport caught the 3-pound, 11-ounce fish 10 miles off Southport on July 27.

The N.C. Division of Marine Fisheries recently certified the first state record Puddingwife Wrasse and the fish may break the world record, as well.

Connor Stone of Southport caught the 3-pound, 11-ounce fish 10 miles off Southport on July 27.

Stone plans to apply to the International Game Fish Association for the world record. The current certified world record is 3-pounds, 8-ounces and the fish was caught off Key West Florida in 2003.

Stone’s fish measured 18-inches and had a 13-inch girth.

To establish a state record fish, the fish must be weighed in on certified scales at an official North Carolina weigh station, and the angler must apply to the N.C. Division of Marine Fisheries for staff review.

Annette is originally a Midwest gal, born and raised in Michigan, but with career stops in many surrounding states, the Pacific Northwest, and various parts of the southeast. An award-winning journalist and mother of four, Annette moved to eastern North Carolina in 2019 to be closer to family – in particular, her two young grandchildren. It’s possible that a -27 day with a -68 windchill in Minnesota may have also played a role in that decision. In her spare time, Annette does a lot of kiddo cuddling, reading, and producing the coolest Halloween costumes anyone has ever seen. She has also worked as a diversity and inclusion facilitator serving school districts and large corporations. It’s the people that make this beautiful area special, and she wants to share those stories that touch the hearts of others. If you have a story idea to share, please reach out by email to westona@cravencc.edu.