Every angler dreams of that one fish that becomes legend — the kind of catch that lives on in stories, photos, and quiet moments of bragging long after the fight is over. It’s the fish that defines a lifetime on the water, the one that separates ordinary days from unforgettable ones. For North Carolina, that fish isn’t just a story passed down on the docks. It’s a verified, world-record redfish — a monster bull red drum so massive it rewrote the record books and forever cemented the NC coast in fishing history.
North Carolina’s Legendary 94-Pound Redfish Record
It happened in November of 1984, when an everyday surf angler named David Deuel made a cast that would change his life. Fishing along the Carolina coast, Deuel hooked into a redfish that pushed the limits of strength, endurance, and belief — a fish weighing an astonishing 94 pounds, 2 ounces. When the numbers were certified, the catch became both the IGFA all-tackle world record and the North Carolina state record, a title that’s stood untouched for more than forty years and counting. To this day, no other redfish on earth has topped it.
What makes the story even better is where it happened. This wasn’t a distant destination or some exotic fishery known only to a few. That record-setting redfish came from the North Carolina surf — the same windswept beaches and inlets where countless anglers still cast a line today. It’s proof that these very waters, from the Outer Banks to Ocean Isle Beach, can still produce fish worthy of legend when the timing, tide, and angler’s patience all come together.
The Red Drum Record That Still Stands
On November 7, 1984, Deuel was surf fishing the Hatteras Island shoreline when his rod bowed under the weight of a lifetime. Using cut mullet on 50-pound line, he hooked a red drum so strong it dragged him nearly a mile down the beach before he could finally beach it.
The fish measured 57 inches long with a 38-inch girth, and the fight lasted about 45 minutes. Witnesses recall the excitement as Deuel carried the bronze-colored giant to a nearby tackle shop, where Frank Folb, the shop owner, weighed and certified the fish. It looked more like a submarine than a redfish.
When word spread, the record was quickly verified by the International Game Fish Association, and it has never been broken since.
Why North Carolina Produces Monster Redfish
There’s something special about this stretch of coastline. From the Outer Banks down past Cape Fear to Ocean Isle Beach, North Carolina’s diverse estuaries and surf zones create perfect red drum habitat. Broad beaches, winding creeks, deep inlets, and migrating schools of mullet and menhaden all play a part in growing these fish to incredible size.
Those same genetics still thrive today. Each fall, massive bull reds push into southern inlets like Shallotte, Tubbs, and Little River, giving anglers a shot at fish over 40 or even 50 plus inches. They may not rival Deuel’s record, but they deliver unforgettable battles that prove North Carolina is still redfish country.
- Prime habitat: surf zones, inlets, tidal creeks, and nearshore bars.
- Forage base: mullet, menhaden, shrimp — fuel for fast growth.
- Seasonal window: fall bait runs concentrate giant red drum.
If you’ve ever fought one of those bulls — or want to — that’s exactly the kind of experience I guide for here at Salty Dawg Fishing Charters out of Ocean Isle Beach.
Captain’s Insight: Big redfish like Deuel’s thrive in the same bait-rich waters we fish every fall here in Ocean Isle Beach. When the tides align and mullet are running, it feels like history could repeat itself any cast. We often catch redfish here from 40 to 48 inches, with a 50-incher being caught every blue moon, but I truly believe there’s another 59-incher — or bigger — out there in the NC waters that could rival the world-record catch.
The Legacy of North Carolina’s Red Drum Fishery
North Carolina’s love affair with red drum goes far beyond records. The species is the official state saltwater fish, and it’s managed with great care. Strict slot limits allow anglers to harvest only mid-sized fish, while the giants — those old breeders — must be released.
That conservation mindset is why the fishery remains strong today. Every time an angler lets a bull red swim away, they’re helping preserve the bloodline that produced the 1984 world record. It’s the same reason we practice catch-and-release for big reds on all my charters, protecting them means more legendary days ahead.
Modern Giants Closer to Home
In my own backyard around Ocean Isle Beach, the fall run brings moments that feel straight out of that record story. When the tide turns right and baitfish pour through the inlets, bull reds gather at the Little River Jetties and nearshore shoals. On light tackle, a 45-inch redfish can feel just as unstoppable as Deuel’s 94-pounder.
We release every one of them, but watching those copper-colored backs disappear into the current never gets old. They’re reminders that North Carolina’s redfish legacy isn’t history, it’s happening every day.
Chasing Red Drum in North Carolina Today
Whether you’re sight-casting in the shallows, working topwaters along the marsh, or soaking bait in the surf, chasing red drum is part of what makes North Carolina fishing so special. From the Outer Banks to Ocean Isle Beach, these fish define our coast — strong, stubborn, and built to fight.
If you’re ready to experience the thrill yourself, join me aboard for an inshore or nearshore charter. North Carolina may hold the record, but every trip offers the chance for your own unforgettable catch.
FAQs About the World Record Redfish
What is the world record redfish?
The all-tackle world record red drum weighed 94 lb 2 oz, caught by David Deuel on November 7, 1984, along the North Carolina surf. It’s recognized by the IGFA and remains unbroken.
Where in North Carolina was it caught?
The fish came from the Hatteras Island surf on the state’s Outer Banks, one of the East Coast’s most famous drum-fishing areas.
How big was it and how long did the fight last?
It measured 57 inches long, had a 38-inch girth, and fought for roughly 45 minutes before being landed.
What bait and tackle did the angler use?
Deuel used cut mullet on a surf-casting setup spooled with 50-pound test line.
Can the record be broken today?
It’s highly unlikely. Modern conservation laws require large red drum to be released, making the record virtually untouchable.
How big do redfish get in North Carolina now?
Every fall, anglers catch bull reds between 40 and 50+ inches, especially near Ocean Isle Beach, Sunset Beach, and the Little River Jetties.
When is the best time to catch big redfish in North Carolina?
September through November is prime, when bait runs and cooling water concentrate trophy-size red drum.
Is the North Carolina record the same as the world record?
Yes. Deuel’s catch holds both the North Carolina state record and the IGFA all-tackle world record — a double distinction that’s stood for decades.
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Updated: October 27, 2025