The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC) has certified a new state record for White Perch. 

On the morning of Sunday, April 14, 2024, Christopher Barrett, 19, reeled in a 2lb. 1 oz. White Perch out of the Delaware River. 

Chris and his father were fishing just below the Commodore Barry Bridge in Chester County. 

"We usually keep a few perch to eat, and when I went to put that one in the cooler, we both said that’s got to be the biggest White Perch we’ve ever seen," said Barrett. "When we got back to the dock, my dad looked up the state record for Pennsylvania, which was under two pounds. We weighed the fish on our own scale, and it was 2 pounds, 3 ounces. So, we started to get really excited at that point.”

Barrett contacted the PFBC's Southeast Region Office where a certified scale was located. The perch officially weighed 2 lbs. 1 oz., exceeding the previous state record by five ounces. 

The fish measured 14.125 inches long with a girth of 12.25 inches however, only weight is considered for state record certification in Pennsylvania. 

"I’m so grateful for this record, but even more excited that I got to share this experience with my dad," said Barrett. "We go fishing all the time together and it’s our favorite thing in the world to do. We’ll never forget this."

Anglers who are pursuing a state record, or think they have caught a state record fish, should follow these guidelines:

  • Obtain a copy of the Pennsylvania State Record Fish Application, which is available online.
  • Comply with all rules, including having the fish weighed on a scale that is certified by the state or county. Stores that sell products by weight are required to have a certified scale. Locations such as feed mills or agriculture stores often have scales capable of weighing large fish.
  • Fish may only be released after PFBC staff have examined the fish and approved the application.
  • The completed form, including color photographs, must be notarized and sent to the PFBC.
  • The PFBC will review the application upon receipt.
  • The PFBC reserves the right to further investigate the methods used in catching a fish and the accuracy of weight and measurements.
  • The PFBC reserves the right to reject any application.
  • Anglers catching a new state record fish will receive a certificate from the PFBC and be listed on the PFBC website.
  • A list of current Pennsylvania State Record Fish, official rules and application can be found at Fishandboat.com.