Virginia State Record Blueline Tilefish Landed

March 30, 2007- An 18-pound, 10-ounce blueline tilefish  caught on March 10th by Doug Deese of Hampton has been certified as the initial Virginia state record for the species by the Virginia Saltwater Fishing Tournament.  An application also has been made to the International Game Fish Association for recognition as the world all-tackle record.

Deese caught his fish on a “deep-dropping” trip in waters near the Norfolk Canyon on the Jil Carrie with Captain Jim Brincefield.  The tilefish, which measured 35 inches in length and had a girth of 20.5 inches, was taken on a squid bait.  Deese was using a hand-tied bottom rig made with 50 pound test monofilament with two 6/0 hooks.

Blueline tilefish were added to the list of species eligible for state record recognition in November of 2006 after considerable interest developed in this fishery earlier in the year.  Deese’s fish is the first registered to meet the 17.5-pound minimum established for initial state record recognition.