North Carolina’s coastline delivered a surprise this weekend when a young kayak angler — known online as “Bikini Kayak Girl” — reeled in one of the most impressive Red Drum catches of the season.
The viral moment happened near Crystal Coast, NC, where she was filming a casual afternoon paddle. According to her post, she wasn’t expecting anything big — until her rod bent nearly in half and the kayak started drifting from the fish’s power.
“I thought I hooked the bottom at first… then it started pulling me. That’s when I knew it was something crazy,” she said.
After a nearly 8-minute battle on light tackle, she managed to bring the massive Red Drum alongside her kayak. Spectators on nearby boats watched the fight unfold, cheering as she finally lifted the fish for the camera — a bright copper-red beauty that experts estimate weighed over 40 pounds.
Fishermen in the area say Red Drum activity has been strong this month, but catching one this size from a kayak is “next-level skill.”
She released the fish safely back into the water, earning praise from conservation groups.
The viral clip has now reached hundreds of thousands of views, with fans calling her “the queen of the kayak” and “NC’s toughest angler.”
This is one catch North Carolina won’t forget anytime soon. 🎣🔥
