Local

Man reels in "whopper" 9-pound fish off Georgia coast, setting new state record

Queen Triggerfish (Georgia Department of Natural Resources)

BRUNSWICK, Ga. — A Georgia fisherman reeled in a monster fish, setting a state record.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

Brian Richburg, from Brunswick, caught a 9-pound, 6-ounce triggerfish, which is two pounds heavier than the previous state record, which was set last month.

TRENDING STORIES:

Richburg was fishing in waters 180 feet deep on the Georgia coast when he caught the whopper.

[SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter]

“Queen triggerfish (Balistes vetula) are known for their stunning colors and unique shape, and Brian’s epic catch not only sets a new high score in Georgia’s fishing annals but also puts a spotlight on the fantastic fishing vibes our waters offer,” the Georgia Department of Natural Resources wrote.

Queen Triggerfish can reach 24 inches long but most are only about half that length. The fish are common in Florida and the Bahamas.

0