Father-Son Outing Results in Tied State Record

A father-son fishing outing for bass culminated into a catch that tied a state record for yellow perch in Tennessee.

Tennessee angler Richard Marsich knew he had a nice fish on the end of his line, but tying a state record came as a surprise.

It took a quick smartphone search by his son to realize Marsich's 2-pound, 3-ounce yellow perch was a huge keeper.

The fish caught in the Fairfield Glade area of Cumberland County tied a Tennessee state record, according to the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency, sharing the distinction with a fish caught in the same area last year. The newest state record measured 15 7/8 inches long. 

"We set out to bass fish. My son [Scott] suggested trying to perch fish after hearing from a nearby angler about the presence of perch," said Marsich, who hooked the fish shortly after the pair started bottom fishing.

"The water was so clear, I could see the fish at about 12 feet down," said son Scott Marsich, who immediately knew it was a special fish.

The father and son took the fish to the TWRA Region III office, where it was weighed and measured by biologist Mike Jolley, who added, "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." 

>> Click here to read about more state records

The Tennessee agency said yellow perch are common in the Fairfield Glade area and in reservoirs in the Tennessee River system. The average length in Tennessee is around 8 inches.

The perch was donated for taxidermy and plans are to display it at the TWRA regional office.

Click for more on state records at tnwildlife.org.

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