Southport Angler Sets New North Carolina State Record for Unicorn Filefish
Jim Bickerstaff of Southport has set a new North Carolina state record for a unicorn filefish, catching a 6-pound, 1.6-ounce specimen approximately 45 miles offshore. This marks the first state record for this species.
Greenville New Bern Washington, NC, November 10, 2026 — A new North Carolina state record has been established for the unicorn filefish, with Jim Bickerstaff of Southport credited for the catch. The specimen weighed in at 6 pounds and 1.6 ounces.
The record-breaking fish was caught approximately 45 miles offshore. This achievement marks the first time the unicorn filefish has been recognized with a state record in North Carolina.
Details regarding the specific date of the catch, the gear used, or the exact coordinates of the fishing location were not immediately available. The North Carolina state record program tracks significant angling achievements across various species. The unicorn filefish, known scientifically as *Balistes capriscus* in some classifications, is a marine fish found in the western Atlantic Ocean.
State records typically require verification of the specimen’s weight and species identification. Information concerning the process for submitting and verifying such records, or any specific regulations related to unicorn filefish fishing, was not provided in the available summary. The angler, Jim Bickerstaff, is a resident of Southport, North Carolina.
Story summarized from the original created by Staff Report on coastalreview.org, see more information here.
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