Jim visited a private pond in Larimer County recently, and landed two massive, Colorado Master Angler-size yellow perch on the same outing. He thought for awhile that one set a new state record for the species, but it was a few ounces shy. Here. Let Jim tell you the story:
"I had a banner day fishing today. Fishing with a Johnstown fishing buddy, we went to a private pond in Larimer County. I knew there were big sunfish in there, having caught some greens over 9 inches last year, and I was hoping to get one big enough for a master angler certificate. Instead, I caught two perch that qualified. The smaller was a respectable 13 inches, but the bigger one, which hit a rooster tail two-hook spinner bait in perch color, was a whopping 16 inches long. This is over 2 inches over both the length of the state record perch by weight, and over two inches over the newer catch and release state record.
"Not having a reliable scale in the field, I visited the Colorado Parks and Wildlife office in Fort Collins, where a fisheries biologist had to certify the species, but then to see if it was a state record by weight, I had to find a place with a certified scale that would be willing to weigh it and testify to its weight. This proved to be very difficult, as several places with state certified scales I contacted said because of health regulations they could not weight it.
"Finally at a parcel store they did weigh it. Unfortunately, it was over 8 ounces under the state record perch by weight (only 2.05 pounds). But still, a great day fishing and two Master Angler certificates earned, and the knowledge that I caught the perch of a lifetime that is two inches longer than both current state records!"
Way to go, Jim. Here are photo records of his memorable catch:
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| This one weighed a smidge over 2 pounds! |
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