REIDSVILLE, NC – Tommy Adkins is no stranger to fishing, but last week he reeled in something he had never seen before.
It turned out to be the biggest catch of his life while fishing in Morehead City, North Carolina.
Adkins with his first mate, Stephen Lilly, reeled in a Bluefin tuna weighing more than 800 pounds. It was also nearly nine feet long.
This monster fish is the largest Adkins has ever seen, and it is also the heftiest catch of the season so far in the state.
Adkins said, “That’s a once in a lifetime fish.”
It took him more than three hours to reel in his prized fish.
Adkins also said he’s always on the hunt for the next big fish, “I always want to get one bigger.”
Adkins is a commercial fisherman. He said it’s important to know the laws and permits needed to go after the Bluefin tuna.
“It’s not just a fish you want to go play with. For one it’s a federally protected endangered species that requires very expensive licenses and permits.”
Adkins sends his fish to Japan, but he’ll always remember this monster catch!
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