Maryland anglers are celebrating as Tom Dembeck Jr. breaks the state record for yellow perch, landing a fish weighing 2.3 pounds and measuring 16 inches long. This momentous catch took place on February 7, 2023, during his fishing trip on the Lower Susquehanna River, marking it as one of the thrilling highlights of the winter fishing season.
Dembeck, who has been passionate about fishing for yellow perch since the 1960s, used specific equipment to land this record-breaking catch. He was deep jigging in 50 feet of water employing a double-jig rig featuring small soft plastic paddletails rigged on ⅛-ounce heads, positioned above a 1-ounce sinker. This method proved successful, as it does during the prespawn season when yellow perch are known to be particularly active.
"I was nonchalantly reeling the fish toward the surface and even took time to watch an eagle fly by," Dembeck reflected on the experience. The surprise came when he noticed the substantial size of the fish he had just hooked: "It looked like a big yellow submarine." Dembeck shouted for his friend Lee Haile, who was with him, to net the significant catch, suspecting it might just meet the criteria for setting a new record.
Lee Haile is no stranger to state records; he holds the current Maryland state record for chain pickerel. Therefore, he had some idea of what to look for when assessing Dembeck's catch. After weighing the fish on a hand scale, they decided to take it to Gibby’s Seafood in Lutherville for an official verification. There, the Maryland DNR fisheries coordinator Erik Zlokovitz confirmed the fish's species, marking Dembeck's catch as the new state record yellow perch for the Chesapeake Division, breaking the previous record set 45 years ago.
Yellow perch are popular among anglers not only because of their desirable taste but also because of their accessible habitats. They thrive across many states. The successful record catch brought enthusiasm to Maryland fisheries, especially with many anglers preparing for the spring spawning season.
For those eager to chase their own trophy fish, the Susquehanna River presents itself as a prime fishing location. With the pre-spawn bite heating up, anglers are urged to seek out the deep-water staging areas where big yellow perch are gathering. Maryland DNR recommends avid fishers to download the state record application if they believe they have caught a record-breaking fish. To preserve the weight, it's advised to place any potential record catch on ice until verification is completed.
Dembeck’s achievement not only reflects his skill and expertise but also showcases the rich fishing traditions within Maryland waters. His record serves as inspiration for fellow anglers to explore and enjoy their local fishing spots. This remarkable success may stir up increased interest during the upcoming fishing season, encouraging new and experienced anglers alike to catch their very own "Jumbo" yellow perch.