Yellow Perch State Record Tied By Richard Marsich

Cumberland County resident, Richard Marsich recently tied the yellow perch state record set by Trenton McCoy in January of 2017. Both record fish weighed in at two pounds, three ounces and were caught in the Fairfield Glade area of Cumberland County.

 

Mr.

Marsich caught his record while fishing with his son and said, “We set out to bass fish. My son suggested trying to perch fish after hearing from a nearby angler about the presence of perch.”  After a short time of bottom fishing, Marsich felt a tug on the line and starting reeling. Marsich’s son, Scott shared, “The water was so clear, I could see the fish at about 12 feet down.” Scott knew immediately that it was a perch and was excited by the size. Richard Marsich knew it was a nice fish, but didn’t recognize that it could be a state record. Scott Marsich realized the potential and immediately looked up the record using his smart phone.

 

Yellow perch are a considered an adaptable species and great table fare. They are not stocked by TWRA. However, many private lakes in the Fairfield Glade area have yellow perch. This fish can be found in the several reservoirs of the Tennessee River system. An average length of yellow perch in Tennessee is eight inches.

 

With its 15 and seven eights inch length, father and son ended their bass trip early to search for certified scales on which to weigh the fish. After weighing the perch and contacting the TWRA, the Marsich family visited the Region III office to fill out the proper paperwork.  The perch was reweighed and measured by reservoir biologists Mike Jolley. Mr. Jolley said, “It’s a beautiful fish and great to share in the excitement of a happy angler. More so, it touches all of us that a father and son were able to share this great experience.”

 

Richard Marsich has donated the fish for taxidermy to be added to the TWRA, regional office. As for father and son, they plan on continuing their fishing experiences and TWRA wishes them great success and many happy memories. Find more on state records at tnwildlife.org