Recently, excitement has flooded the angling community when a local fisherman broke a 46-year-old record by catching a prize Yellow Perch. This has excited fishermen everywhere about the opportunities the water might have in store.
Angler’s Background
Thomas Dembeck Jr. is a seasoned fisherman who has been pursuing yellow perch since the 1960s. He has been trying to catch a record-breaking Yellow Perch for most of his life, and this catch was a dream come true.
The Bait and Technique He Used
“He was deep jigging in about 50 feet of water using a double-jig rig consisting of two small 1-inch plastic paddle tails on ⅛-ounce lead heads rigged on dropper loops above a 1-ounce sinker. He was using a light spinning rod with a ten-pound test braided line.” according to Maryland Natural Resources.
The Record-Breaking Catch
On February 7, 2025, Thomas Dembeck Jr. of Hydes, Maryland, was fishing in the tidal waters of the lower Susquehanna River when he hooked a yellow perch weighing 2.3 pounds and measuring 16 inches in length. This was a catch worth noting and a dream come true for Dembeck.
The Verification Process
After seeing the Yellow Perch that looked like ” a yellow submarine,” Dembeck took the fish to Gibby’s Seafood in Lutherville, where it was officially weighed on a certified scale. The Maryland Department of Natural Resources recreational fisheries coordinator, Erik Zlokovitz, confirmed the species and authenticated the new state record for the Chesapeake division.
The Previous Record
The prior Maryland state record for yellow perch was set by Niles Pethel on November 21, 1979, with a fish weighing 2.2 pounds. This long-standing record took many years to break.
How Dembeck Recalled The Experience
“I was nonchalantly reeling the fish towards the surface and even took time to watch an eagle fly by,” Dembeck said. Looking down, he saw a perch resembling a big “yellow submarine” and yelled for his friend Lee Haile to net the fish. Haile, the current state record holder for chain pickerel in the nontidal division, realized they might have a state record yellow perch in the boat.” according to the National Department of Resources.
The Susquehanna River’s Role in the Catch
The lower Susquehanna River, where Dembeck’s catch occurred, is renowned for its abundant yellow perch population. The river’s diverse ecosystem and favorable conditions make it a prime location for anglers looking to catch trophy-sized fish.
Conservation and Fishing Regulations
“Dembeck says the deep-water winter perch fishery in the lower Susquehanna River is outstanding. He and Haile regularly catch hundreds of perch in a day of fishing. He says they release 10 fish for everyone they keep, only saving 11 inches or bigger to fill their 10 fish daily limits.” according to Outdoor Life. You can catch up to 10 yellow perch per person daily, with a minimum length of 9 inches.
Yellow Perch in Maryland
Yellow perch are a popular target for Maryland anglers, especially during their spawning runs in the early winter. According to the Department of Natural Resources, “Recreational fishing for yellow perch is a very significant fishery in Maryland and has become a tradition for many anglers as the first fish to “arrive” in the rivers after the first of the year. Most fish are caught in these early winter months during their spawning run in the upper tributaries where they are easier to catch.”
Tips for Aspiring Anglers
For anglers aiming to break records, understanding the habits of target species and using effective techniques is the key to success. Deep jigging in appropriate habitats, using suitable tackle, and staying informed about seasonal patterns can increase the chances of landing a trophy fish.
Do you have a record-breaking catch?
You’ll need to act fast if you believe you’ve landed a potential record-breaking fish. First, take clear photos of the fish with a measuring tape and a scale if available. Keep the fish cool, preferably on ice, to preserve its weight. Locate the nearest certified scale and get an official weight recorded. Contact your state’s Department of Natural Resources or Fisheries office for verification.
A Record Not To Be Forgotten
Thomas Dembeck Jr.’s record-breaking yellow perch is a milestone in Maryland’s fishing history. This accomplishment celebrates an individual angler’s dedication and highlights the exceptional fishing opportunities available in the state’s waterways.
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