Brooklyn man catches biggest white perch in New York’s history

WESTCHESTER — BROOKLYN RESIDENT Yongfeng Tian set a state record on Nov. 23 when he reeled in a 3-pound, 4-ounce white perch from Cross River Reservoir in Westchester County, surpassing the state record set in 1991 by three ounces, according to the state Department of Environmental Conservation.

“This latest state record is a testament to the incredible fishing opportunities that New York State’s waters provide,” DEC Commissioner Amanda Lefton said in a statement. “I would like to congratulate Mr. Tian on an impressive catch, and encourage all New Yorkers to visit DEC’s website to find an opportunity near you to catch the next record fish.”

White perch are a common freshwater fish related to bass and found in lakes and rivers, including the Hudson River. They are known for their schooling behavior and once located, can “provide a lot of action,” DEC said. They are also delicious, with a flavor compared to bass but more delicate.

“I’ve got it frozen, but I’m not going to eat it,” Tian told Wired2fish. “I’m going to have a mount made of the fish.”

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