Virginia's New Bluefin Tuna Record Shattered by Over 100 Pounds

Virginia's state record for bluefin tuna has been emphatically broken by a colossal catch weighing 832.6 pounds. This remarkable achievement, secured by angler Mike Rogerson aboard Captain David Wright's charter boat, the High Hopes, in January 2026, eclipses the previous record by more than 100 pounds. The event underscores a vibrant season for large bluefin tuna in Virginia's waters, demonstrating the exceptional opportunities for anglers in the region.

The story unfolded dramatically on January 10, 2026, when Captain David Wright made a call to Captain Robbie Brown. Just a day prior, Captain Brown's vessel, the Just Right, had hauled in a 721-pound bluefin, a catch that was poised to set a new state record, surpassing the long-standing 708-pound record from 2020. However, Captain Wright had an even bigger surprise. While congratulating Brown, Wright subtly inquired about the dimensions of Brown's catch. Brown reported his tuna measured 108 inches in length and 65 inches in girth. Wright, en route back to Rudee Inlet with his own catch, realized he had something significantly larger. His bluefin also measured 108 inches in length but boasted a girth of approximately 80 inches, indicating a much heavier fish.

Upon reaching the docks, Wright's tuna was officially weighed at an astonishing 832.6 pounds, cementing its place as the new state record. Mike Rogerson, the Virginia Beach angler who chartered the High Hopes for the day, earned his spot in the record books. Captain Wright, a seasoned veteran of charter fishing out of Rudee Inlet since 1978, humorously remarked on the importance of having a young, strong angler to manage such a formidable fight. Wright himself had briefly held the Virginia bluefin record in the 1990s, a testament to his extensive experience on the water.

Wright attributes their success to a combination of skill and fortunate circumstances. The record-breaking tuna struck a ballyhoo on a Sea Witch while the team was trolling in thick fog near Smith Island flats, in surprisingly shallow water of just 48 feet. This shallow depth proved to be a critical advantage, preventing the powerful bluefin from diving deep and prolonging the battle. Rogerson engaged in an intense 90-minute struggle with the fish, marked by powerful runs and standstills, all while Captain Wright skillfully maneuvered the boat through the dense fog. The invaluable assistance of Andrew Flory, Wright's mate of a decade, was also crucial, providing guidance to Rogerson and expertly securing the spent tuna boat-side.

Logistical challenges arose back at the Virginia Beach Fishing Center, where ongoing renovations to the docks necessitated calling in a boom truck to safely offload the massive tuna for official weighing. This incident, following closely on the heels of another potential record, highlights the transient nature of fishing records, particularly when large schools of bluefin migrate through the area. Wright noted that these impressive tuna often journey from the Mediterranean Sea, congregating with local populations. Despite the excitement, the recreational trophy bluefin fishery closed shortly after, on January 13, due to quotas being met, and will not reopen until January 1, 2027. Wright confidently predicted that his record would stand for at least a year, as the bluefin had already moved on. Interestingly, the stomach contents of the record-breaking bluefin revealed three spiny dogfish, suggesting a plentiful food source in the region.

This extraordinary catch is a testament to the thrill of deep-sea fishing and the impressive marine life inhabiting Virginia's coastal waters. The swift succession of record-breaking bluefin tuna underscores the dynamic nature of marine ecosystems and the enduring challenge and excitement they offer to anglers. It also serves as a reminder of the importance of sustainable fishing practices and adherence to quotas to preserve these magnificent species for future generations.