THOMSON — Thomas Lewis of Grovetown reeled in the new state-record yellow perch Feb. 27 from the Savannah River, just below Clarks Hill Dam.  
It was the first new state-record fish since 2010.
According to the Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Resources Division, the 2-pound, 9-ounce, 16.5-inch catch beat the former state record by more than 1 ounce.  This record previously was held as a tie with a 2-pound, 8-ounce fish, one caught in 1980 on Lake Burton and the other caught in 2008 on the Savannah River.  
“It is so exciting to hear about a state-record catch as it reminds us that Georgia is such a fantastic place for anglers with its numerous fishing opportunities and resources, from big rivers and reservoirs to small neighborhood lakes,” said John Biagi, chief of Fisheries for the Wildlife Resources Division.  
Information about state-record fish, including an application and rules, can be found at www.georgiawildlife.com/Fishing/RecordProgram or in the current Sport Fishing Regulations Guidebook.
Anglers must possess a current Georgia fishing license to fish in public waters. Licenses can be purchased online or from retail license vendors at www.georgiawildlife.com/licenses-permits-passes, or buy it by phone at 1-800-366-2661.