Georgia State Record Tied.

Angler Larry Poole, Jr. of Martinez (Columbia County) had more than just a great day of fishing on the Savannah River on February 24, 2008 - he managed to catch a fish that tied an existing state record. Poole reeled in a 2 lbs. 8 oz., 17-inch yellow perch, according to the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Wildlife Resources Division (WRD). This ties the state
record caught in Lake Burton in 1980.

“It is always exciting for anyone to reel in a state record and this reminds us that Georgia is such a fantastic place for anglers because there are so many fishing opportunities and resources available,” says WRD Fisheries Management Chief John Biagi. “We hope that the recognition of this new state record will inspire experienced and novice anglers to get out and go fish Georgia’s numerous lakes and rivers.”

Yellow perch (Perca flavescens) are members of the perch family, which includes darters, sauger and walleye. They have a golden yellow body, with 6-8 dark vertical bands from back to belly. They prefer cool water lake environments, but also are found in large rivers and ponds. Their
typical diet includes small fish, aquatic insects, small crayfish, snails, midgefly larvae and mayflies. They are great to eat and can be prepared in a variety of ways.

According to the recently published 2008 Georgia Fishing Prospects, some great places to catch a yellow perch this year include the Chattahoochee River (between Buford Dam and Peachtree Creek), Lake Rabun, and if this recent catch is any indication - the Savannah River! The world record weight is 4 lbs. 3 oz. caught in New Jersey in 1865.

Information about state record fish can be found at www.gofishgeorgia.com or in the Sport Fishing Regulations Guidebook available at all WRD offices and all license agents.