Vernon Teen Catches State Record White Perch

VERNON, CT — A Vernon teen dubbed by his dad as possibly the luckiest fisherman on Earth has caught the largest White Perch on record in Connecticut.

Jacob Niemczyk, a 13-year-old student at Rockville High School, broke the state record on Aug. 29 at Crystal Lake in Ellington when his fish weighed in at 3 pounds, 1 ounce. The previous record was 2 pounds, 15 ounces set in 1996, according to the state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection.

Jacob caught the fish while in a boat on Crystal Lake using his trusty ultra light Ugly Stick and a live shiner.

His dad, Rich, said they knew it was a white perch but the fish was simply "ginormous," so the fish was promptly weighed and photographed. He and Jacob then applied for the proper DEEP documentation.

The CT record white perch caught by Jacob Niemczyk

Rich said Jacob is the "luckiest" fisherman he knows. Jacob has caught a brown trout that weighed in at 9 pounds, 3 ounces and was 30 inches long.

A 9-pound trout caught by Jacob Niemczyk

He has also caught a 5-pound, 3-ounce largemouth bass.

He has also landed a 26-inch trout.

Rich said Jacob is routinely asked to come along on fishibg trips because of his reputation for good luck.

Photo Credit: Rich Niemczyk

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