Baltimore County Angler Snags Maryland Record Fallfish

PIKESVILLE, MD — Adam Aghion of Pikesville went looking for walleye March 20 and caught the first state record fallfish, Maryland Department of Natural Resources officials say. The Baltimore County man set the record by catching a 2.07 pound fallfish, which was weighed and certified by Seven Mile Market in Pikesville and verified by the DNR.

Aghion caught the freshwater fish on the Maryland side of the upper Potomac River, using a drop shot rig with a No. 12 hook, according to a DNR news release.

“I’ve never targeted (fallfish) before, but it really did put up a good fight,” Aghion told the DNR in a news release. “It’s awesome. I hope someone beats (the record) and I hope I can get it back.”

Once DNR staff reviewed other mid-Atlantic and northeastern states’ recognition of fallfish records they learned Aghion’s catch was in the same size range. The agency then determined the species should be added to Maryland’s nontidal record category.

“Including fallfish in our state record category gives anglers another opportunity to be a part of our state’s angling history,” Fishing and Boating Services Director David Blazer said in a press release.

The DNR oversees state records for sport fish in four divisions: Atlantic, Chesapeake, Nontidal and Invasive.

If you think you've landed a record catch, download and fill out the state record application and call 443-569-1381 or 410-260-8325. The DNR suggests fish be immersed in ice water to preserve weight until it can be checked, confirmed and certified.