New Maryland state record Yellowedge Grouper catch made in Poorman's Canyon off Ocean City

A fish caught in Poorman's Canyon off of Ocean City, Maryland became a state world record holder, and the first state record holder of its species.

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources announced on Sept. 4 that Jian Feng Li of Silver Spring, Maryland has been recognized as the first state record holder for Yellowedge Grouper in the Atlantic Division after the catch he made on Aug. 27.

Li caught a 38-pound, 43-inch fish while fishing in Poorman's Canyon off Ocean City. Li's catch is the first state record for this species, and it is only 10 pounds lighter than the International Game Fish Association world record Yellowedge Grouper.

A group of anglers on Captain Chase Eberle’s charter boat the Tiderunner started the day fishing offshore for dolphinfish (mahi) and other pelagic fish, those that live in the water column and not near the bottom or shoreline. Eventually, the anglers decided to deep drop false albacore strip baits with heavy sinkers into 420 feet of water in Poorman’s Canyon, looking for large bottom fish. Four anglers hooked up with big fish, and three broke off. Li was the only angler to bring his fish to the surface, a state-record grouper.

Staff at Sunset Marina in Ocean City weighed the fish on a certified scale, and a Maryland DNR biologist confirmed the species.

The Department of Natural Resources maintains state records for sport fish in four divisions: Atlantic, Chesapeake, Nontidal, and Invasive. Anglers who think they have a potential record catch should complete a state record application and call 443-569-1398. It is recommended that the fish be immersed in ice water to preserve its weight until it can be checked, confirmed, and certified.

More: Week 1 football picks: Predicting the first week of Bayside South high school football

More: 30 Bayside South high school football players to watch during the 2024 season

This article originally appeared on Salisbury Daily Times: New Maryland state record Yellowedge Grouper catch made in Poorman's Canyon off Ocean City