PETER BOETTGER | CONTRIBUTED
BIG CATCH: Peter Boettger and his sons, Joey and Marc, enjoyed a day out on the Pungo River last weekend when they spotted some tremendous activity further out on the water. As they moved in quietly to the source of the disturbance, they saw the new penny copper of old reds as they slashed baitfish on the surface. They group pulled out some lightweight, but very strong rods rigged with 30-pound braid, 60-pound mono shock leaders and surface poppers. Within about two minutes both of Boettger’s sons were hooked up. It took about 15 minutes to get the fish reeled in. They took a few pictures, revived the fish in the water and released them, allowing the fish to swim away in good health. They happened to be in the right place at the right time, Boettger said.