The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality’s Division of Marine Fisheries has recognized new state records for two rarely seen deep-sea fish species: the Channel Scabbardfish (Evoxymetopon taeniatus) and the Spinycheek Scorpionfish (Neomerinthe hemingwayi).
Jody Hopkins of Grimesland achieved his second state-record catch this year, following a previous record for Bulleye in June. His latest accomplishment is for the Channel Scabbardfish. Hopkins’ son, Oden Hopkins, also set a record by catching a Spinycheek Scorpionfish. Both catches occurred while fishing off Ocracoke on July 13, 2025. There were no prior state records for either species.
The Channel Scabbardfish caught by Jody Hopkins weighed 7 pounds, 3.2 ounces, measured 60 inches in total length, and had a girth of 10.25 inches. According to the International Game Fish Association (IGFA), the current world record is 9 pounds, 9 ounces and was landed in the Bahamas in 2023. The Division notes that there have only been a few dozen recorded observations of this species in the Western Atlantic.
Oden Hopkins’ Spinycheek Scorpionfish weighed 4 pounds, 6.4 ounces and unofficially ties the existing IGFA world record from Virginia in 2015. The fish measured just over 20 inches long with a girth of more than 13 inches. Officials caution anglers that all scorpionfish species have venomous spines which can cause pain or injury if handled improperly.
Both fish were caught while jigging about 33 miles offshore from Ocracoke at depths near 700 feet using similar gear: torpedo jigs with Dragon Strike DSC-633 rods and Gomexus SX450L reels outfitted with strong line and leaders. Weigh-ins took place at Neuse Sport Shop in Kinston.
The Channel Scabbardfish was transported to the North Carolina Division of Marine Fisheries Headquarters in Morehead City for further study. Biologists collaborated with staff from the North Carolina Museum of Natural Science in Raleigh to identify, photograph, and collect genetic samples from the specimen before donating it to the museum’s permanent collection.
For additional details about state record fish or information on saltwater fishing achievements, interested parties are directed to visit the division’s State Saltwater Records webpage or contact tournament staff at saltwater.citations@deq.nc.gov.
