Second state-record fish caught this month, a white perch in Muskegon County

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Press Release


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Jan. 29, 2014

Contact: Rich O’Neal, 231-788-6798 or Ed Golder, 517-284-5815


Second state-record fish caught this month, this time a white perch in Muskegon County  

Aaron Slagh with white perchThe Department of Natural Resources (DNR) confirmed the catch of a new state-record white perch on Friday, Jan. 24. This is the second state record caught in the month of January.

The white perch was caught by Aaron Slagh of Holland, Mich., on Tuesday, Jan. 21, on Muskegon Lake in Muskegon County at 11 a.m. The fish weighed 1.93 pounds and measured 13.25 inches. Slagh was ice fishing with a spoon when he landed the record fish. 

The record was verified by Rich O’Neal, a DNR fisheries biologist, at the Muskegon field office.

The previous state-record white perch was caught by Kyle Ryan of Reese on Lake Huron in Tuscola County on July 13, 2002. That fish weighed 1.88 pounds and measured 13.25 inches.

“It was just another normal day on the ice for me, as I get out as much as I can,” said Slagh. “We were actually targeting yellow perch and I thought I had a walleye. When we pulled it up we thought ‘Holy cow – that’s a big white perch!’”

State records are recognized by weight only. To qualify for a state record, fish must exceed the current listed state-record weight and identification must be verified by a DNR fisheries biologist.

“This winter, despite the extreme weather most of Michigan has been experiencing, is shaping up to be a great time for many anglers,” said DNR Fisheries Division Chief Jim Dexter. “This latest state record once again showcases the quality of the state’s fisheries.” 

For more information on fishing in Michigan, visit www.michigan.gov/fishing.


The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is committed to the conservation, protection, management, use and enjoyment of the state’s natural and cultural resources for current and future generations. For more information, go to www.michigan.gov/dnr.
 
/NOTE TO EDITORS: The above photo is available for download via the link below. 

Caption information: Holland, Mich., resident Aaron Slagh holds his state-record white perch, caught on Jan. 21, 2014, on Muskegon Lake. The fish weighed 1.93 pounds and measured 13.25 inches./