When David Deuel cast a cut mullet into the Avon, N,C. surf on. Nov. 7, 1984, he wasn’t expecting anything special, but ended up with what may be the most impressive surf catch ever.

The fish fought for 45 minutes and carried him along a mile of beach before he was able to land a huge red drum weighing 94 pounds, 2 ounces. That fish set a new IGFA world record that will stand forever unless red drum management regulations are changed to allow the capture of that species above a small slot limit.Ironically, the previous record was set on the same days 11 years earlier. It was a blessing that Deuel made that catch before the new regulations would have prohibited it, but he didn’t have very long to enjoy it as that talented marine biologist working for NMFS in North Carolina was cut down by cancer as a young man.

I was a member of the Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council at the time, and talked with him regularly. Dave was as nice a guy as I’ve ever met, as well as being a fine scientist. He sure went out on a high note with that catch of one of the nation’s most popular marine species which will require no exaggeration in heaven.

The Big Mohawk from Belmar reported as follows:

“

​​Back out on the striper grounds today. Had a nice shot of fish first thing with keepers and bonus tags mixed in. Picked at em as the day went on. Found a nice pile of bunkers with a steady live bait bite for the last few hours of the day overs and keepers mixed in. Was nice to see the bunker fish again. Ended with a load of slot size keepers and bonus tag fish as well. We will be back at it tommorow sailing 6am book online to secure your spot or come on down walk ons welcome provided we have room.“

Also at Belmar, the Golden Eagle reported “

​​Back out on the striper grounds today. Had a nice shot of fish first thing with keepers and bonus tags mixed in. Picked at em as the day went on. Found a nice pile of bunkers with a steady live bait bite for the last few hours of the day overs and keepers mixed in. Was nice to see the bunker fish again. Ended with a load of slot size keepers and bonus tag fish as well. We will be back at it tommorow sailing 6am book online to secure your spot or come on down walk ons welcome provided we have room.“

The Ocean Explorer is blackfishing daily. Anglers are urged to use light leaders as the bottom water is very clear.

There is a small craft warning from Saturday morning to late night. Northwest winds of 20-25 knots plus gusts to 30 are forecasted. Morning rain is possible.

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