Bel Air Fisherman Breaks Own State Record

A Bel Air man broke his own fishing record this week.

James Stiars held the state record for white perch in non-tidal waters, reeling in a 1.7-pound catch at Loch Raven Reservoir on Sept. 5, 2014.

Then he caught a 1.74-pound white perch at Loch Raven on Tuesday, Aug. 2, according to the Maryland Department of Natural Resources.

When Stiars eyeballed the fish, he could tell he may be breaking his own record.

“We were trolling Shad Rap crank baits and catching them pretty well when this one came over the rail, and I thought it looked bigger than the one from a couple of years ago,” said Stiars, who fishes at the Baltimore County reservoir two to three times a week when it's warm out.

The fish he caught this week was 14.5 inches, state officials reported. Generally, authorities say white perch are 7 to 10 inches and weigh 8 ounces to 1 pound. They are related to the striped bass and are among the most abundant fish in the Chesapeake Bay.

“I’m sure there’s an even bigger one in there," Stiars said of the spot in Loch Raven where he was fishing.

For setting a record for white perch in non-tidal waters, Stiars will receive a plaque.

The state keeps records for fish in Atlantic, Chesapeake, non-tidal and invasive categories. Anglers may report potential record catches to the Department of Natural Resources at 443-569-1381. They are advised to keep their fish in ice water until they can be certified.

Photo Credit: Maryland Department of Natural Resources.