List of the biggest documented bass ever caught 2024

Mattlures reply :

List of the biggest documented bass ever caught.

Note this list is about 2 years old but is much more accurate than any other list I have ever seen posted. Do you guys notice one guy that stands out? Count how many times you read the name Mike Long. Also since this list he has caugh a 19.11 out of Mission Viejo a 21.5 lber and at leat two more 17lbers that I have seen the pics of and that have been weighed in at the docks.

There have been others caught by Mike and diferent guys that were not documented That are not on this list

BTW this is not my list I just though I wouuld share.

Table 1: All-Time Largest Documented Bass

Rank Pounds Location State Angler Date

1 22.25 Montgomery Lake Georgia George Perry 6/2/32

2 22.01 Lake Castaic California Bob Crupi 3/12/91

3 21.75 Lake Castaic California Mike Arujo 3/5/91

4 21.70 Dixon Reservoir California Jed Dickerson 5/31/03

5 21.19 Lake Casitas California Ray Easley 3/4/80

6 21.01 Lake Castaic California Bob Crupi 3/9/90

7 20.94 Lake Miramar California David Zimerlee 6/23/73

8 20.86 Lake Castaic California Leo Torres 2/4/90

9 20.75 Dixon Reservoir California Mike Long 4/27/01

10 20.25 Lake Hodges California Gene Dupras 5/30/85

10 20.25 Lake Miramar California Johnny Garduno 3/25/90

12 20.13 Big Fish Lake Florida Fritz Friebel May 1923

13 19.88 Dixon Reservoir California Mike Long 2004

14 19.63 Lake Baccarac Mexico Bruce Knutsen 1/17/93

15 19.50 Lake Miramar California Keith Gunsauls 3/7/88

15 19.50 Lake Casitas California Randy Crabtree 4/9/02

15 19.50 Dixon Reservoir California Mac Weakley 5/20/03

18 19.40 Ikehara Dam Japan Kazuya Shimada 4/22/03

19 19.25 Lake Miramar California Chris Brandt 3/22/98

20 19.19 Lake Wohlford California Steve Beasley 2/3/86

20 19.19 Lake Morena California Ardon Hanline 2/17/87

22 19.06 Lake Miramar California Sandy DeFresco 3/14/88

23 19.04 Lake Castaic California Danny Kadota 1/8/89

24 19.03 Success Lake California Larry Kerns 1/27/01

25 19.00 Lake Tarpon Florida Riley Witt 6/21/61

26 18.94 Lake Isabella California Keith Harper April 1984

27 18.86 Lake Castaic California Danny Kadota 2/12/88

28 18.81 St. Johns River Florida Buddy Wright 4/12/87

28 18.81 Lake Isabella California Joe Weaver Feb. 1984

30 18.75 Lower Otay Lake California Bob Eberly 3/9/80

30 18.75 San Vicente Lake California James Steurgeon 2/26/81

30 18.75 Lake Castaic California Manny Arujo 1/25/91

30 18.75 Lake Kaweah California Nai Seathan 3/15/01

34 18.70 San Pablo California Victor Barfield 3/22/01

35 18.69 Lake Casitas California Bill Beckum 1/15/80

36 18.63 San Vicente California Doug Crandall 1979

37 18.62 Delta California Galen Jensen 2/10/02

38 18.56 San Vicente California Bobby Sandberg 1976

38 18.56 Lake Castaic California Bob Crupi 1/27/92

38 18.56 Don Pedro California Rod Martin 4/9/03

41 18.55 Lake Murray California Mike Long Dec. 2001

42 18.25 Dixon Reservoir California Mike Long 2004

42 18.25 Lower Otay California Unknown March 1980

44 18.18 Lake Fork Texas Barry St. Clair 1/24/92

45 18.15 Natchez State Park Mississippi Unknown 12/31/92

46 18.13 Dixon Reservoir California Mike Long 2003

46 18.13 Lake Poway California Mike Long 2002

48 18.10 Lake Poway California Mike Long 1998

48 18.10 Lake Murray California Mike Long Feb. 1999

50 18.00 Lake Perris California Will Steel 12/29/02

50 18.00 San Pablo California Rob Belloni 5/3/03

50 18.00 Lake Murray California Mike Long 2000

50 18.00 Mission Viejo California Mike Long 2002

54 17.95 Lake Murray California Mike Long March 1999

55 17.75 San Vicente California Unknown March, 1982

56 17.69 Lake Hodges California Unknown March, 1985

57 17.67 Lake Fork Texas Mark Stevenson 11/26/86

58 17.64 Lake Fork Texas Stan Moss 4/1/89

59 17.63 Lake Fork Texas Jerry New 8/28/90

60 17.50 Lake Poway California Mike Long 2000

60 17.50 Lake Poway California Mike Long 2001

60 17.50 San Vicente California Unknown March, 1979

63 17.25 Dixon Reservoir California Mike Long 2003

63 17.25 Lake Hodges California Unknown March, 1985

63 17.25 Lake Poway California Mike Long 1999

66 17.19 Lower Otay California Unknown Jan. 1985

67 17.13 Lake Poway California Mike Long 1998

67 17.13 Lake Poway California Mike Long 1999

69 17.11 Lake Murray California Mike Long March 1999

70 17.08 Lake Fork Texas Troy Coates 2/26/91

71 17.06 Lake Miramar California Mike Long 2000

71 17.06 San Vicente California Unknown Feb. 1979

73 17.05 Lake Murray California Mike Long March 2000

74 16.89 Lake Fork Texas Bryan Turner 2/8/93

75 16.88 Lower Otay California Unknown Feb. 1981

76 16.75 Lake Fork Texas Steve Trepkus 3/8/90

77 16.63 Lake Fork Texas Flo O'Brien 2/28/99

77 16.63 Lake Poway California Mike Long 2000

77 16.63 Lake Poway California Mike Long 1999

80 16.56 San Vicente California Unknown Jan. 1980

81 16.54 Lake Fork Texas Bill Reed 2/27/91

82 16.50 San Vicente California Unknown May, 1981

83 16.45 Lake Murray California Mike Long March, 2001

84 16.44 Lake Fork Texas Chris Adams 3/10/96

84 16.44 Lake Miramar California Unknown April 1973

86 16.41 Lake Murray California Mike Long March 2000

87 16.38 Lake Poway California Mike Long 1999

88 16.25 Lower Otay California Unknown Feb. 1982

88 16.25 San Vicente California Unknown Nov. 1979

88 16.25 San Vicente California Unknown March 1982

88 16.25 Sutherland California Mike Long April 2001

92 16.19 San Vicente California Unknown Jan. 1979

92 16.19 San Vicente California Unknown March 1981

94 16.13 Gibbons Creek Texas Troy Johnson 1/15/88

94 16.13 Sutherland California Unknown April 1989

94 16.13 Lake Poway California Mike Long 2000

97 16.12 Lake Fork Texas Jim Harrell 3/22/02

98 16.06 Lake Fork Texas Tom Hallum 3/9/88

98 16.06 Lake Hodges California Unknown April 1985

100 16.04 Lake Fork Texas Gasper Cardinale 2/29/92

101 16.02 Possum Kingdom Texas Scott Tongate 10/13/89

102 16.01 Caddo Texas John Merck 4/13/92

102 16.00 Cuyamaca California Mike Long 2002

102 16.00 Lake Poway California Mike Long 2002

102 16.00 Lake Poway California Mike Long 1999

102 16.00 Mission Viejo California Mike Long 2001

Catt reply :

Hey dude you stopped about 100,000 short of my name :

Grey Wolf reply :

Looks like I'm going to have to move .

KenDammit28 reply :

one name that sticks out?

California

roadwarrior reply :

I'm not bashing George Perry, but isn't it strange that Georgia only makes the list one time? In theory, it seems like a state would have to produce a number of 18, 19 and 20 lb bass if it were to produce a 22 lb 4 oz fish. Interesting, hun?

Troutfisher reply :

That is weird....

Catt reply :

Not to high jack mattlures topic but I think Perry's record was God's way of telling us we don't know anything about his creations. While California will hold the record I believe another one will once again come from some where out in left field by some amateur like Perry's keeping us humble.

Lane reply :

IMO, they should throw out George Perry's record for SEVERAL reasons! Bob Crupi should

hold the World Record. Landing and certifying TWO of the top 10 bass of all time is NO SMALL

feat! Mike Long is up there with Hannon in my book, they are in a league of their own! Most

people don't realize how hard it is to, hook, land and certify these HUGE double digit bass as

many times as these men have done it. Most of us that live in trophy largemouth country are

still trying to hook and LAND a 10lber! Thanks Matt for posting those stats!

Daniel My Brother reply :

Babe Ruth's homer record stood for so long that the number 714 still has significant meaning to baseball fans. The same goes for Perry. Who would have thought so many would get so close, yet no has been able to better it.

I'm sure the record will fall eventually, and when it does I hope she's caught by a BassResource.com member using a Mattlure's swimbait. But even if the new record smashes the old one, 22lbs 4oz will always be remembered.

cart7t reply :

Quote
I'm not bashing George Perry, but isn't it strange that Georgia only makes the list one time? In theory, it seems like a state would have to produce a number of 18, 19 and 20 lb bass if it were to produce a 22 lb 4 oz fish. Interesting, hun?

How many people back then even cared about a world record bass? IIRC, Perry entered the fish in a competition to win a rod n reel. Then he ate the fish. ;D

Interesting. Of the 12 fish over 20lbs, only 2 have been caught since 2000 even though many are fishing for them.

KenDammit28 reply :

Is it safe to say that California can turn your average "trophy hunter" into a legend? I count 80 out of however many fish are on that list..maybe 110 or so? that came from California waters.

Absurd.

ScroGG ToGG reply :

Quote
I'm not bashing George Perry, but isn't it strange that Georgia only makes the list one time? In theory, it seems like a state would have to produce a number of 18, 19 and 20 lb bass if it were to produce a 22 lb 4 oz fish. Interesting, hun?

Im too lazy to research the in-depth side of the Perry Story/Legend, so heres a few to throw out there. How old was he when this "happened"?? was he by himself? Whats the Mont. Lake record since his "catch"? (like i said, i dont know the story much at ALL, so if any of these questions sound ridiculous, dont go crazy on me) Is he still alive? if so, How old is he? if not, when and how did he die? What did he catch the fish on? (if anyone has a very similar pic of the lure, please feel free to pm it to me) what lb. test was on his reel? What kinda of reel was it? rod? has a BASS masters tourney been held on this lake? if not, why the @#$ not? how big is this lake? has anyone on the forum fished this lake before?

P.S. if any moderators feel that i high-jacked this thread from the original writer of the topic, feel free to delete it or move it to its own post, but i apologize if this is VERY off topic of the thread.

KenDammit28 reply :

thats a pic(I dunno how recently) of Montgomery Lake(which isn't really a lake, just an oxbow). My understanding of how that body of water got there is that the Ocmulgee River changed courses and left this pool of water behind.

This picture probably looks more like it did during George's time

He's not alive..I think he died around 30 years ago? In the 70's I think as the result of his plane crashing into a hillside. He wasn't alone...his fishing partner, Jack Page, was with him according to Perry. The bait was a Creek Chub of some kind but the actual lure is up for debate.

Lane reply :

Brushpile,

George Perry is dead, killed in a plane crash. There are NO pictures of George Perry

with, "THE" bass, at least none that have surfaced at this point. BASSMASTERS mag

presented a picture of a YOUNG boy holding a large bass. Was that THE bass? There

are more questions than answers regarding the Perry bass, questions that will never

be answered.

I would not consider Bob Crupi or Mike Long, "average trophy hunters", but to each their

own. There is a thread on a Texas forum regarding the possiblility of 20lb class bass exsisting

and being caught in Texas that is being discussed right now. There is at least ONE documented

20lb bass that was found dead ( as a result of the LMBV) here in Texas. Meanwhile, California

still holds the record for numbers of 20lb class bass.

KenDammit28 reply :

if the average thing was a reference to what I said....I definitely don't think that Mike Long is average, he's a stud. I was just saying that I wouldn't have a problem saying you could take the average trophy hunter to California waters and their Pounds per fish would probably increase by about 3lbs.

RoLo reply :

Get a load of Mike Long!!!

Mr. Long boated 27% of the 100 largest bass in the world.

Think about that feat for a moment, Mike boated more than "one out of every 4 bass" in the top 100 8-)

Roger

senile1 reply :

The record is what it is. No one who doubts it's validity is going to be able to change it anyway. Like RW, I have wondered about the fact that there are no other Georgia fish of record that are even close to the 20 lb mark. But I don't want to change the world record just because I speculate that it may not be true. It could very well be true. The bass in the picture that is said to be George Perry's bass was a real monster and someone caught it. And it was in Georgia. I found a thread from last March - May where we had a big discussion about this prompted by Wheatley's 25 lb foul-hooked fish. I've posted it below.

http://www.bassresource.com/bass_fishing_forums/YaBB.pl?num=1143415295/29#29

California looks like the place to be.

roadwarrior reply :

Quote

Get a load of Mike Long!!!

Mr. Long boated 27% of the 100 largest bass in the world.

Think about that feat for a moment, Mike boated more than "one out of every 4 bass" in the top 100 8-)

Roger

That gentlemen, is almost impossible to believe! Matt's list is truely an eye-opener.

guest reply :

Wow what a list. It/s been boring arund here the last 2 days since Baugher left so let's start up again. I think MIKE LONG should be tested for steroids!

guest reply :

IS Fish Chris on here anywhere , Is that Chris Brandt?

KenDammit28 reply :

the average weight of a Cali fish on that list is 18.08lbs!

I wonder how many of the fish are repeat fish...any, ya think?

senile1 reply :

Quote
IS Fish Chris on here anywhere , Is that Chris Brandt?

I was wondering the same thing, Muddy.

Quote

Get a load of Mike Long!!!

Mr. Long boated 27% of the 100 largest bass in the world.

Think about that feat for a moment, Mike boated more than "one out of every 4 bass" in the top 100 Shocked Cool

Roger

That gentlemen, is almost impossible to believe! Matt's list is truely an eye-opener.

Indeed, can you imagine what it would be like to hook that many fish from 16 to over 20 lbs? He should create a workout video. :

Randall reply :

Quote
I'm not bashing George Perry, but isn't it strange that Georgia only makes the list one time? In theory, it seems like a state would have to produce a number of 18, 19 and 20 lb bass if it were to produce a 22 lb 4 oz fish. Interesting, hun?

Not to discount the fact that California is still going to be the State that has the most bass in this size range but there have been some caught in GA eighteen and under that I know of would have made the list but were not certified since the people didn't really care about making the list. I know there are probably some in Texas, Florida, Mexico etc. caught that aren't on the list as well. Now if someone in GA catches the new WR I am sure the person catching it will want to have it certified as such. My point is that just more people in California are certifing the bass after it is caught while people in other states are not going to unless it is a record.

Mattlures reply :

No list that I have seen is current and complete this is just the best on that I know of. It was written by Terri Battisti a well know outdoor writer who has been tracking huge bass catches. There have been other 20 lbers caught. Mac's 25 and Mikes 21'5 were not on the list becuase they were caught just last year and the list is not current. Mike Long would have at least 5 more fish on that list with 2 being in the top ten if it were up to date. Fish Chris Has an 18+ and Iam not sure why he is not on there, maybe he caught just after this list was published. Supermat , Matt Allen has caught the same fish as Fish chris and it wieghed 17+ so yes there are a few fish that made the list more than once. Macs 25.1 lber is also Mike Longs 20.75 and Jed's 21. California has produced several fdish over 17lbs in the last 2 years that are not on here either. I would love to see the current list. It would even be More Mike long dominated with 3 fish in the top 15.

Also something else is starting to happen out here. A lot of guys are keeping quiet when they get a monster. They dont want the pressure at their lake so only the "in croud" hears about it. If you guys would like to read the whole article here it is

http://www.westernbass.com/dotcom/library/view.html?id=2544

Raul reply :

Only problem with that list is that only applies to the US. 99.999% of big bass caught in Mexico are never recorded ( lots of 16, 17 & 18 pounders ), it 's the lack of infrastructure and education to keep accurate records.

Only exception:

14 19.63 Lake Baccarac Mexico Bruce Knutsen 1/17/93

Last year 's 19.19 out of Baccarac is not included in the list.

Randall reply :

Heres one that I know of that didn't make the list and I am 99% sure it was weighed on certified scales way back in the seventies or early eighties. Alatoona lake record here in GA caught by Greg Rhymer.

Mattlures reply :

Read the whole article and you will see what it takes to make that list. It was written in 2004. That would explain a lot of fish that would be on there. Like I said it would even be more Mike Long lopsided if it were current.

Someone asked if were on steriods? thats funny because a couple years ago he was thicker than he is now and I swear he could easyly be mistaken for Mark Mcguire. Even now that he has lost some wieght he looks like him.

I will try and contact Terry and see if I can get an update.

Catt reply :

Correct me if I'm wrong but the bass being caught are Florida strain?

These fish were introduced into California in the late 50's or early 60's?

Mattlures reply :

Catt You are correct. Northern strain dont get tha big. Florida or southern strain were introduced I believ in the late 60's into 1 lake. from there they were stocked into a lot of Ca. lakes throughout the early 70's. They havent stocked them since. Many of our lakes will go through cycles and peak and kick out some monsters but Stippers and Spotted bass will destroy a lakes chances at huge fish in a matter of a few years.

another huge reason for all these giant fish that is often over looked is they are just about all released. those 16-25lbers were probably all caught when they were 13+ but released to get bigger. I honestly believe this is why Texas has so few very top end fish. I think if the SAL program stopped or at least just gave credit and a replica when a fish was documented and quickly released you would see a higher top end coming from Texas.

RoLo reply :

California lies outside the natural range of the largemouth bass, which were first transplanted into California in 1891.

However, the first "Florida-strain bass" were not introduced into California until 1959...the rest is history.

Roger

Lane reply :

Matt,

You are right that a good number of our BIG fish here in Texas are retained, usually

for skin mounts or the frying pan! But if it were not for the SAL program, you would see

even more big girls ending up on the wall. The females are taken to Athens, where they

recieve the best care on the planet, spawned, then released back to their home waters

no worst for the wear! Some do die, but usually this occurs early on, and is due to poor

care by the angler. To much show and tell out of the water! The SAL program is working,

and Texas is registering numbers of large bass, just not in the 20lb plus range.

Also, most of the lakes in California are kept CLEAN due to the fact that they are reserviors

for municipal drinking water. I call it the X factor, which is missing here in Texas and Mexico.

I saw one of those HUGH Cali bass in person when I was up there in the spring of 90. That

is a story in itself! I will never forget it, either!

bassmasta7 reply :

I have also heard of bass up to 18lbs caught in GA that aren't registered.(not the same as Randall's)Hopefully, I will get invited by my neighbor to go to the lake that holds this bass in spring.

I couldnt help but notice one of these bass was caught in Japan. I didnt think they got that big and it was less than 4 years ago. Does anyone know the story on this one?

18 19.40 Ikehara Dam Japan Kazuya Shimada 4/22/03

KenDammit28 reply :

Bass fishing is huge in Japan, and now the country has a monster record bass to call its own. On April 22, Kazuya Shimada caught a 19.2-pound largemouth bass at Ikehara Dam in Nara Prefecture, Japan. He drop-shotted a 4-inch blue-black and chartreuse Optimum Swim Bait on 25-pound fluorocarbon line.

Thats all I could find on it..that came from a San Diego, California e-news site.

earthworm77 reply :

Not to high jack mattlures topic but I think Perry's record was God's way of telling us we don't know anything about his creations.

That or more likely it is a scam, but we had a huge debate over that last year.

In truth, I wonder how many other huge fish were caught without being registered. No doubt Cali is THE home of giants but with only 3 or 4 fish in the top 102, where is Florida? Florida is no slouch. I know of 3 or 4 17+ lb fish caught in my home river system in the past year alone, one was in last years or the year before BPS Master Cat......and that is not the whole state. I'm sure many anglers are clueless as to this lists existance but then again, if you didn't catch the #1 fish, what does it matter? Only a record hunter would register this right? Mike Long is sick! I mean that in a good way.

Also is there a reason for so many unknown anglers? I'm hoping there is a list with those unknown anglers names, if not, should they be allowed to be on this list? One interesting name not on the list unless my eyes played tricks on me.....Cali guys?????? Bill Seimantel.

cart7t reply :

I hashed through the numbers and came up with the totals by year. I threw out anything other than CA.

List is by year and numbers on the list

1970-72 - 0

1973 - 2

1974-75 - 0

1976 - 1

1977-78 - 0

1979 - 5

1980 - 5

1981 - 4

1982 - 2

1983 - 0

1984 - 2

1985 - 5

1986 - 1

1987 - 1

1988 - 3

1989 - 2

1990 - 3

1991 - 3

1992 - 1

1993-97 - 0

1998 - 3

1999 - 8

2000 - 7

2001 - 10

2002 - 7

2003 - 6

2004 - 2

Interesting that the period of 1993 - 1997 saw no fish over 16 pounds brought in. Any ideas?

There also appear to be peaks. 1985, 1988-1992, and finally 1999-2003.

Gatorbassman reply :

Quote
one name that sticks out?
California

Try Mike Long

guest reply :

This is an interesting post. Thanks Mattlures.

But there is one glaring inaccuarcy. The certified big bass in Florida is the 17lb4oz state record the 20 lber is often mentioned but is NOT certified therefore the state does not recognize it.

From FWC Uncertified state records...are believed accurate based on reliable witnesses and other evidence but are not certifiable, or they were caught by other than legal sport fishing methods.

I know you said "documented" not certified, but if it is not certified than it doesn't belong on any big bass list.

I think Lane made a good point, about Mike Long and Doug Hannon etc. That catching a big bass is hard enough but getting it certified is a whole 'nuther project. I think we see the Cali guys especially Mike Long, because they are very knowlegeable about the process and know exactly how to get a fish certified with mimimum hassle. I"m not suggesting that they arent' hardcore guys, but there are still lot's of big bass caught by guys who don't have a scale. They lose the chance at getting the catch certified due to ignorance of the process.

As far as George Perry...... It's simple. He's got the record. There are questions surrounding it, but he did what was required at that time to get it listed as the record. you can't blame him for the recording procedures of the time.

And anyway, doesn't it lead to tremendous excitement. The Weakley bass (which was "documented" but not certified) and the other huge certified fish, convince me that the record is there to be broken.

Won't that be a day to remember!!!

Mattlures reply :

Lane I am not knocking Texas or the SAL program. I think Texas is doing the right thing I also believe it produces more fish over 10 then Cali or Florida. I think the SAL is a great idea and has worked and does work BUT...........I think it is detrimental to the very top end fish. I think it is one of the biggest reasons you dont see 18+ lbers come from texas

Cart the reason you see the big fish kicked out in bunches is because of the cycles our lakes go through. Castaic used to produce a ton of giants but now there are stipers and it is done as far as 20lbers go. There are a lot of factors that cause lakes to peak and decline. A lot of know which lakes are ripe and we focuss on them. I wish the list was current because a lot of monsters have been caught in the last two years out here including Macs 25.1

guest reply :

Quote
I wish the list was current because a lot of monsters have been caught in the last two years out here including Macs 25.1

No disrespect intended Matt, but any list that includes the Weakley bass, is a fraudulent document worthy of nothing more "fishy" than wrapping up the guts after a food fish has been cleaned.

Lane reply :

Matt,

Anglers mentality here in Texas is the biggest detriment to the 20lb class range. TPW

has to do what the public wants, and so far, Fork is our ONLY designated trophy lake.

We have lakes that I have no doubt contain 20lb class bass, in fact they have been stocked

with SAL offspring, and have the right stuff for sustaining those bass. Like others, that is

as much information as I am willing to share if you know what I mean.

buzzbaitfool12 reply :

Once again the argument continues.. ;D>>i live in Georgia, and certainly being an avid bassfisherman I did some research on ole perry..I dont think that this guys would lie about this...But it is awesome that all these years we have had a number to shoot for..Not trying to open up a can of worms, but once again lets face it, if every warm weather lake shoveled in the trout that is done in these lakes, they should be bigger..I would like to see Lake Varner loaded up with trout..That would be interesting..

earthworm77 reply :

No disrespect intended Matt, but any list that includes the Weakley bass, is a fraudulent document worthy of nothing more "fishy" than wrapping up the guts after a food fish has been cleaned.

I disagree, at least we know this fish actually exists as opposed to the cloudiness of Perry's bass. That record stands only because of lax reg's. It wouldn't ever have stood in todays time with the controversy that surrounds it. Weakley's Fish was a 25.1, there is no doubt about it. Florida has 2 unofficial fish over 20lbs that are not recognized because of a lack of photographic evidence. Perry's fish should never have stood. All of the evidence suggests that this fish never swam in GA waters. No documented GA fish comes close and as you saw in the top 102, Perry's is the only one over 16lbs??? Hard to believe. But I know GA has the record. I'm not venting, I'm just a realist who recognizes a crock of turds when I see it.

KenDammit28 reply :

If George Perry had caught that fish today, there wouldn't be any controversy around it.

I don't know how anyone could say that theres ANY evidence that suggests this fish didn't swim in GA waters. The truth of the whole matter is that no one cared about "world record" fish back then, especially during a depression, and this just so happens to be one of the very few catches that were documented AT ALL. If there weren't some truth to the story, we wouldn't be hearing about it today and it wouldn't have been called a record.

To me, it doesn't matter WHO caught the fish(which most of the debate seems to be about)..the picture of a gigantic largemouth being held by a man that was discovered in the possessions of someone living in GA...thats proof to me. If you're willing to suggest someone may have photoshopped that picture or altered it or whatever, I think you'll have a long row to hoe.

BASS fisherman reply :

On occasion in nature, genetic mutations occur. And under the perfect conditions they can flourish. I think that Perry's bass was one of those mutations.

Pa's state record is 11lbs some odd ounces and I know of a bass that was caught that weighed in at 13lbs some odd ounces in Pa. I beleive the mutations occur more than most relize but they are just as smart as any other lunker bass, and therefore alot harder to catch than their more agressive younger kin.

And alot of the big bass go unreported as well.

Mattlures reply :

Avid the reason that fish should be on the list is exactly what Craig said. It does exist . It was weighed photographed and video'd. It is in fact the largest bass ever documented. I am not saying Mac should get the world record. Actualy I agree with him not submitting it and He should not get the record. The record is Perry's until sombody breaks it and certifies it properly. BUT the fish does belong on the list of the biggest bass caught. If for no other reason then the scientific data. Another fish that was not on the list was Paul Duclos's 24lber. had he weighed on on a real scale he might be the record holder. At the very least he would be in the top 5 There is no doubt after looking at his pics that his fish was over 20 and I personaly believ it WAS 24lbs

fourbizz reply :

Out of all 3 fish, that 24, in my mind is the record. Doesn't hurt that she was a norcal fish either

cart7t reply :

Just checking a list of state record bass and neither the Alabama 16.8 or the Arkansas at 16.4 are on the list. How many more are missing especially from Texas.

As for the Perry bass? :

originally posted by earthworm77

Quote
I disagree, at least we know this fish actually exists as opposed to the cloudiness of Perry's bass. That record stands only because of lax reg's. It wouldn't ever have stood in todays time with the controversy that surrounds it. Weakley's Fish was a 25.1, there is no doubt about it. Florida has 2 unofficial fish over 20lbs that are not recognized because of a lack of photographic evidence. Perry's fish should never have stood. All of the evidence suggests that this fish never swam in GA waters. No documented GA fish comes close and as you saw in the top 102, Perry's is the only one over 16lbs??? Hard to believe. But I know GA has the record. I'm not venting, I'm just a realist who recognizes a crock of turds when I see it.

He had a witness. It was weighed on a certified scale that was available. There are pictures that clearly indicate it was a giant bass. Let's get real here, back in the 30's, there were few sportsmen fishing for LM bass. Even fewer who probably even knew what the world record was at the time. All Mr. Perry got out of the deal was a rod n reel, he stood to gain so little from the fish that he found the food value of the fish for his family more valuable than any monetary gain (if any) at the time. This was during the depression you know.

I thinks it's safe to say that there were possibly bigger fish than Mr. Perry's caught back in the 20's, 30's or 40's in GA, Bama or Florida that were never documented. Possibly even a list as long as that one of big bass over 16lbs that were never mentioned because no one thought about it during the time. It was an entirely different time and place back then. Catching a giant bass meant more food on the table for the family. Taking the time to drag a fish around to document it meant the possible loss of the fish as a meal since there were no livewells, coolers or even bags of ice. Even fewer people could afford a camera back in those days.

The doubters really need to get a grip. George Perry was out fishing for a little fun and a meal for his family. He caught a giant bass and decided to enter it in a contest he saw in a magazine. He probably wasn't even aware that the fish he caught was a world record. He took the time to have the fish weighed on a certified scale with a law enforcement officer present. Then took it home to eat.

Mr. Weakley OTOH, was specifically targeting a giant bass. He knew the fish was there and yet seem ill prepared when the time was to catch it. Considering the ramifications of the financial windfall a bass that size would bring along with the intense scrutiny that would come along with catching it, I'd say Mr. Perry did more to satisfy his end of the deal than did Mr. Weakley.

KYbass1276 reply :

I'm wondering do you think that with the increase in todays fishing pressure versus that of the time of perrys day has anything to do with why we don't see bigger fish. I know the majority or atleast I'm guessing back in perrys time probally kept the fish for eating. But I have to think that there were not as many people targeting bass back then as there are now so there would be less pressure on the fish. I'm just guessing here so I'm not trying to stir up the kettle but wouldn't less fishing pressure equal more of a chance to catch a record class fish throughout certain states like georgia and florida, texas more often. With alot of C&R anglers out there, There are still alot of people who keep there catch and I wonder how many people keep there catch today as compared to perrys time. With more people fishing today than in perrys time I would think the keep ratio would be more now then during perrys time. Would that factor into why we don't see bigger fish more often or am I totally wrong here

earthworm77 reply :

Cart, Perry's witness was never found. He gave a name of a person said to exist and that person never came forward to substantiate his catch. There is so much fishy about this record that it simply screams scam. Where to start??? There is not a single picture of Perry holding his fish. That photo of the young boy with the giant fish may or may not be Perry's. I do not believe it has the dimensions necessary to ahcieve world record size. At least one other photo of Perry with a bass is clearly not as large as claimed. He claimed he had photos of himself with the fish when he tried to extort more money and products from the people at Heddon. They never surfaced. Did he lose the photos to document his single greatest lifetime achievement? What bait did he catch it on? He seemed to change his mind about that and said it was three different ones. No fish over 16lbs documented in Ga since is a pretty good indication that this fish is an extreme rarity, even then you'd have to guess at least a couple would follow in its footsteps and come close.

The current world record smallmouth was struck down for a period of time because two marina owners claimed the fish was weighed in their marina, not because of anything the catcher did incorrectly. It was a dispute between two outside parties, the fish was documented correctly, phographed, etc. If that factor can disqualify a fish, Perry's fish should be DQ'd or at least have an asterisk next to it stating the discrepincies. Or be the unofficial record.

In a time when there are so many rules to follow regarding certifying a world record, it is strange that this stands considering the cloudiness of it all.

Perry's story is a great tale that we all want to believe in but there really is nothing more to it than a fish story. There is nothing solid to document it. A photo that he claimed he had with himself holding the catch would quell all of the naysayers. Where is it?

Cart I was wondering the same thing regarding state records over 16lbs.

We will never agree as to the validity on this fish. With the magnitude of catching a pending World Record bass, I simply can't believe blindly in the Perry record. There are a ton of people who claim to have caught giant bass and when they can't provide proof their tale becomes just another fish story.

This is a photo of my 24lber.....OK you got me , its only over 10. lol But at least I have a photo of it.

Catt reply :

I believe the difference lies in the bodies of water

The lakes in the southern states have more inaccessible areas than the lakes in California, this would account for some trophy bass never being seen by man. Not to say that a world record exists in Toledo Bend but look at its size 65 miles long, 5 miles wide, with over 1,200 miles of shore line. Compare that to Lake Castaic, Lake Miramar, Dixon Reservoir or other California trophy lakes. You are going to tell me it's not possible far a 20 lb plus bass to exist in Toledo Bend and never be seen by man?

I also agree with Lane about the mind set of the California anglers vs. Texas anglers here's a perfect example. Each year the argument rages over which lake produces the most bass over 10 lbs and the contenders are Lake Fork and Allen Henry. Both lakes yearly certify more 10 lb+ bass than any two lakes in the state. But yet Texas Parks & Wildlife and the Louisiana's Department of Wildlife & Fisheries shock studies has proven more bass in the 10 lb+ range exist in Toledo Bend. Why are these bass not being heard about, for two reasons? First the anglers on Toledo who catch these bass do not want to give them to any lunker program wanting rather to keep them in their lake. Second is the size of the lake, Toledo gets very little pressure compared to it size.

justfishin reply :

How about a list like that for smallmouth?

cart7t reply :

Quote
Cart, Perry's witness was never found. He gave a name of a person said to exist and that person never came forward to substantiate his catch. There is so much fishy about this record that it simply screams scam. Where to start??? There is not a single picture of Perry holding his fish. That photo of the young boy with the giant fish may or may not be Perry's. I do not believe it has the dimensions necessary to ahcieve world record size. At least one other photo of Perry with a bass is clearly not as large as claimed. He claimed he had photos of himself with the fish when he tried to extort more money and products from the people at Heddon. They never surfaced. Did he lose the photos to document his single greatest lifetime achievement? What bait did he catch it on? He seemed to change his mind about that and said it was three different ones. No fish over 16lbs documented in Ga since is a pretty good indication that this fish is an extreme rarity, even then you'd have to guess at least a couple would follow in its footsteps and come close.
The current world record smallmouth was struck down for a period of time because two marina owners claimed the fish was weighed in their marina, not because of anything the catcher did incorrectly. It was a dispute between two outside parties, the fish was documented correctly, phographed, etc. If that factor can disqualify a fish, Perry's fish should be DQ'd or at least have an asterisk next to it stating the discrepincies. Or be the unofficial record.

In a time when there are so many rules to follow regarding certifying a world record, it is strange that this stands considering the cloudiness of it all.

Perry's story is a great tale that we all want to believe in but there really is nothing more to it than a fish story. There is nothing solid to document it. A photo that he claimed he had with himself holding the catch would quell all of the naysayers. Where is it?

Cart I was wondering the same thing regarding state records over 16lbs.

We will never agree as to the validity on this fish. With the magnitude of catching a pending World Record bass, I simply can't believe blindly in the Perry record. There are a ton of people who claim to have caught giant bass and when they can't provide proof their tale becomes just another fish story.

This is a photo of my 24lber.....OK you got me , its only over 10. lol But at least I have a photo of it.

The problem is your line of thinking. You're thinking in the context of what that fish would mean today, not in what it meant back then. If the situation around that fish occured today it would'nt hold water but the fact that it happened the way it did back then isn't surprising.

Answer me this. Where are the fish from Florida's waters over 16lbs on that list or any other caught during the 20's, 30's and 40's, or even as late as the 50's? There's little to any documentation of any of them even though I'm sure plenty were caught. It just didn't matter back then. There was no large scale bass fishing industry or audience that cared. If there was, better documentation and evidence would've been gathered to substantiate any catches of those fish. Photo evidence lacks because of the lack of cameras during the day. Had there been some sort of monetary gain or even public acknoledgement of such large catches I bet you'd have seen much better record keeping and attempts make to document. Since no one is able to disprove the fish, I don't see much reason to keep doubting it.

deepsessions reply :

California looks to be the next record holder its no secret that trout are fed into many of the lakes and reservoirs yearly and the sunshine keeps away ice and snow for the most part for the ultimate playground. Every local lake within an hour of me has a lake record of 18 lbs + this can be a bit inspiring at times and others misleading as it doesn't justify the quality of fishing just the size that can be obtained.

a local live bait shop which catches live bait at one of the big tournament trail lakes has a 30lb monster lurking about....he said he see's many of fish in the double digits and knows from years experience its the next world record. Will it be caught?

One state to look out for is Texas they are doing alot of study & research on what it takes to cultivate big bass and also they are experimenting with cross breeding largemouth's with another specie of bass (sorry I forget the strain) they are supposed to gain twice the size in half the time and grow to a bigger size. The program has only been going on for 5 years and they need another 10 to really get a full spectrum of fish.

just some fish for thought.....now its off to fishing! gotta love these late winter starts

roadwarrior reply :

"List of the biggest documented (smallmouth) bass ever caught"

Jim Blair,

There isn't one! First of all, if anyone feels Perry's bass was an abberation, David Hayes' World Record Stands out MUCH further. At 11 lbs 15 oz, that brown fish is 1 lb 1 oz heavier than #2. As far as I know there are only two other "documented" smallmouth over 10 lbs and they are State Records (AL 10 lb 8 oz, NC 10 lb 2 oz). So, the WR is almost 10% bigger than #2 and nearly 20% bigger than #4.

I think it is very unlikely that a new WR will be caught unless it's quirky: 10 lb smallmouth that just ate a two pound skipkack, or something along those lines. Technically, according to IGFA rules, a new WR must exceed the old record by 2 oz. That's 12 lb 1 oz for a smallmouth record!

BTW,

Two years ago my partner, Speedy Madewell, caught a brown fish on the Tennessee River that I netted and weighed. No camera and my scales are not certified, but I KNOW...

Raul reply :

Wether we like it or not and unless the IGFA makes a review on who has the WR it still is 22 lbs 4 ounces.

earthworm77 reply :

I'm not sure there is aproblem with my thinknig, one would expect a World Record in not just our era but previous eras to come under some form of scrutiny and investigation before it is accepted. If it is held to a lesser standard, why should it be valid today? I find it difficult that several other records have been DQ'd such as the smallmouth record for much smaller questions that arose. Your second paragraph is an example of what I said earlier.....just because those Florida fish are not on that list, it doesn't mean they do not exist. I mean that is not a list of every fish ever caught over 16lbs. Up until yesterday I had no idea that this compilation of fish existed. To someone who simply catches a huge fish, they may not know how to document this fish correctly.

Raul, unfortunately you are correct as well. Weakley no doubt caught the largest documented fish, whether it was intentionally snagged or caught correctly or whatever, I do not know, it just won't be certifiied for the WR

cart7t reply :

Since George Perry's fish was acknowledged as the record and the story of the catch was acceptable to the IGFA folks back in 1932, then you must accept it for what it is unless you have proof that the facts aren't what they are. 74 years ago is a long time ago, most of the particulars are now dead. Rather than complain on a fishing board, why not get like minded anglers together and petition the IGFA to review the catch again (if they haven't already).

I can understand the skepticism by some on the fish. I read the account in the Bassmaster article a few years ago. The missing picture of GP with the fish that was sent to the tackle manufacturer was certainly strange but there was the account of GP with a friend and a law enforcement officer taking the freshly caught fish to either a store or post office to have it weighed on what were then, certified scales. Had this happened these days I'd be extremely skeptical. The obvious monetary gains of catching a fish of that magnitude have a way of causing people to do devious things they wouldn't ordinarily do but back then, it just wasn't the case. All Mr. Perry could get out of it was a rod and reel. hardly worth risking ones reputation on.

guest reply :

Quote
Weakley's Fish was a 25.1, there is no doubt about it

Really,

I think there is tremendous doubt about it.

Here is a group of World record hunters, fishing for a targeted bass that they believe to be the new WR and they don't have a certified scale???????????????????????? They don't ask for or look for a certified scale?????? NO, they huddle up in the middle of lake, then take all kinds of photo's to "document" the catch, BUT NEVER WEIGHED IT ON A CERTIFED SCALE..............HELLO, anybody home?????

The scale used to weigh the fish was "checked" after the fact.

I don't know where you come from but in my neighborhood, proving something tomorrow that you claim happened yesterday is no proof at all.

bassmasta7 reply :

I got this list off of the high voltage bass anglers website. It has a list of the largest bass caught in GA.

State Reported Top Georgia Lunkers

Rank Weight Lake (State) Angler Date

#1 22lb. 4oz. Montgomery Lake George Washington Perry 06/02/32

#2 18lb. 1oz. Marben Farm (Lake Margery) Ron Petzelt 09/15/87

#3 17lb. 14oz. Chastain's Lake (Cobb County) Nickey Rich 04/27/65

#4 17lb. 9oz. Lake Lanier Emory Dunahoo 12/19/65

#5 17lb. 4oz. Marben Farm (Lake Margery) Jerry Jones 04/22/90

#6 17lb. 0oz. Lake Gale (Midway, Ga) Robert C. Stone 03/18/74

#7 16lb. 11oz. Lake Chatuge David Preseley 03/27/76

#8 16lb. 9.3oz. Marion County Lake Sam Taylor 03/15/02

#9 16lb. 9oz. Lake Allatoona Greg Rymer 08/31/82

#10 16lb. 8oz. Lake Eufaula John Giles 03/12/80

#11 16lb. 4oz. Lake Spivey Annie Malcolm 1971

#11 16lb. 4oz. Lake Seminole Charles Tyson 05/23/61

#13 16lb. 2oz. Morgan County Pond Robert Hilsman 04/07/62

#14 16lb. 1.2oz. Fort Stewart (Big Metz Lake) David Gregory 05/26/02

#15 16lb. 0oz. Forsyth County Pond Donald L. Smith 05/19/97

#16 15lb. 15.4oz. Marion County Lake Sam Taylor 03/16/02

#17 15lb. 13oz. Lamar County Pond Bryan McBride 12/10/98

#18 15lb. 12oz. Fort Stewart (Dogwood Lake) Don Harlow 02/20/93

#19 15lb. 10oz. Lake Seminole R.P. Bolton 1970

#20 15lb. 9.6oz. Fort Stewart (Canoochee Creek Res.) Greg Harvey 02/12/99

#21 15lb. 9oz. Fort Stewart (Big Metz Lake) Paul Smith 09/08/92

#22 15lb. 8.5oz. Dodge County PFA David Hudson 03/16/02

#23 15lb. 6.5oz. Hart County Pond Brad McCall 03/21/92

#24 15lb 6oz. Lake Juliette Alonzo Dunn 01/04/90

#25 15lb. 1.8oz Upson County Lake Sam Taylor 03/19/99

#26 15lb. 1.4oz. Fort Stewart (Pineview Lake) Paul Smith 1997

#27 15lb. 0oz. Lake Lanier Grady Watkins 03/25/67

#27 15lb. 0oz. Savannah River Mike Stille 11/06/99

#29 14lb. 15oz. Private Lake Lewis McGahee 04/07/98

#30 14lb. 14.4oz. Fort Stewart (Big Metz Lake) Chuck King 02/??/00

#31 14lb. 14oz. Clarks Hill Lake Carl Sasser 1960

#31 14lb. 14oz. Taylor County Pond Zeke Rhodes 04/06/75

#33 14lb. 12oz. Bartow County Pond Andy Brook 05/30/97

#34 14lb. 11oz. Upson County POnd Randy Wilkins 06/15/89

#35 14lb. 7.5oz. Lake Eufaula Randy Dassinger 02/28/85

#36 14lb. 7oz. Lake Jackson John Burnett 03/09/86

#37 14lb. 4.3oz. Marion County Lake Sam Taylor 07/09/00

#38 14lb. 4oz. Marion County Lake Sam Taylor 04/07/97

#39 14lb. 3oz. Fort Stewart (Big Metz Lake) Eddie Hancock 03/13/90

#39 14lb. 3oz. Goat Rock Lake Garry Brannon 03/13/90

#41 14lb. 2oz. West Point Lake Richard Little 04/15/88

#42 14lb. 0.8oz. Dodge County PFA Charles Sloan 03/20/99

#43 14lb. 0oz. Lake Burton Carl Lovell Jr. 05/28/93

* Reprinted from Georgia Outdoor News, August 2002

According to this list there have been 6 bass over 17lbs caught in GA and 2 over 18. I believe that Perry's bass was just a genetic freak and should be the record. Its ridiculous to say that there cant be bass that large caught in GA but can be caught in FL. The states are right next to each other and Perry caught his bass only 100 miles north of Florida. Also, he was not that far from the Atlantic coast. This makes the climate warmer and more like Florida. If you have ever been to south GA, you know that in some places the climate is very similar to Florida. I believe this bass also had the perfect conditions in the little oxbow it was living in with a great food supply. In Georgia, there arent really any World Record Hunters so if someone was to catch a giant bass they probably wouldnt be carrying a certified scale. In GA, people dont care about certifying their catches as much as people in CA. Im not saying there are tons of 18lbers caught in GA but I know that there have been more than 2 bass over 18lbs caught in GA.

I know Perry caught a giant bass that day. In SOWBELLY, it says he weighed it at a post office on a government certified scale. That makes me think that it is legit. But say the post office thought "lets tune the scale a little bit up so we can make more money." So it may be off a couple ounces (maybe enough that Crupi's was the largest) but i think it should still stand as the record because it has for so long.

Mattlures reply :

Avid you can doubt the weight of 25.1 that is understandable but the fish was weighed and witnessed and on video. You can only doubt the scale.

Here is something for you to think about. Jed caught that same fish in 20003 and it oficialy weighed 21.70. It actualy weighed a few ounces over the world record the first time they weighed it but by the time the fish and game showed up it lost about 3/4 of a pound. so no world record.

3 years later the fish is caught again and it is MUCH larger. Look at the pictures and video.

It is obviously well over 22.4lbs. you can dispute this but not honestly.

I have said this a hundred times. It doesnt matter if you have a certified scale. If they would have hooked that fish in the mouth they would have called the fish and game or the local biologist and had the fish certified. Yes they huddled in the middle of the lake. If you foul hooked it, wouldnt you discuss your options? I know I would have. but ultimatly they did the right thing and released that fish. You can doubt the scale but there is no way with honesty can you say that fish is not way over 22.4lbs. That scale was also checked on Basscenter I believe two days later and it was accurate. When they caught that fish there were spectators watching including the ranger and nothing was done to the fish to increase the weight. It weight 25.1lbs

roadwarrior reply :

All right Matt,

It's certainly not about you, but why are you defending the "Hawg Hunters of the World?"

They are TOTALLY focused on the World Record and they DON'T HAVE A CERTIFIED SCALE? Are we dealing with retards? You know theses guys, is STUPID an excuse?

I have read the WHOLE story. It wasn't an accident or a spur-of-the-moment decision. How can these guys be so UNPREPARED, especially after they have made the "phone call" and decided to spend the night?

Okay, I agree , THAT FISH is the biggest bass that has ever been landed, but I CANNOT believe that these guys could be so unprepared. This taints the entire story.

Randall reply :

Quote
I got this list off of the high voltage bass anglers website. It has a list of the largest bass caught in GA.
State Reported Top Georgia Lunkers

Rank Weight Lake (State) Angler Date

#1 22lb. 4oz. Montgomery Lake George Washington Perry 06/02/32

#2 18lb. 1oz. Marben Farm (Lake Margery) Ron Petzelt 09/15/87

#3 17lb. 14oz. Chastain's Lake (Cobb County) Nickey Rich 04/27/65

#4 17lb. 9oz. Lake Lanier Emory Dunahoo 12/19/65

#5 17lb. 4oz. Marben Farm (Lake Margery) Jerry Jones 04/22/90

#6 17lb. 0oz. Lake Gale (Midway, Ga) Robert C. Stone 03/18/74

#7 16lb. 11oz. Lake Chatuge David Preseley 03/27/76

#8 16lb. 9.3oz. Marion County Lake Sam Taylor 03/15/02

#9 16lb. 9oz. Lake Allatoona Greg Rymer 08/31/82

#10 16lb. 8oz. Lake Eufaula John Giles 03/12/80

#11 16lb. 4oz. Lake Spivey Annie Malcolm 1971

#11 16lb. 4oz. Lake Seminole Charles Tyson 05/23/61

#13 16lb. 2oz. Morgan County Pond Robert Hilsman 04/07/62

#14 16lb. 1.2oz. Fort Stewart (Big Metz Lake) David Gregory 05/26/02

#15 16lb. 0oz. Forsyth County Pond Donald L. Smith 05/19/97

#16 15lb. 15.4oz. Marion County Lake Sam Taylor 03/16/02

#17 15lb. 13oz. Lamar County Pond Bryan McBride 12/10/98

#18 15lb. 12oz. Fort Stewart (Dogwood Lake) Don Harlow 02/20/93

#19 15lb. 10oz. Lake Seminole R.P. Bolton 1970

#20 15lb. 9.6oz. Fort Stewart (Canoochee Creek Res.) Greg Harvey 02/12/99

#21 15lb. 9oz. Fort Stewart (Big Metz Lake) Paul Smith 09/08/92

#22 15lb. 8.5oz. Dodge County PFA David Hudson 03/16/02

#23 15lb. 6.5oz. Hart County Pond Brad McCall 03/21/92

#24 15lb 6oz. Lake Juliette Alonzo Dunn 01/04/90

#25 15lb. 1.8oz Upson County Lake Sam Taylor 03/19/99

#26 15lb. 1.4oz. Fort Stewart (Pineview Lake) Paul Smith 1997

#27 15lb. 0oz. Lake Lanier Grady Watkins 03/25/67

#27 15lb. 0oz. Savannah River Mike Stille 11/06/99

#29 14lb. 15oz. Private Lake Lewis McGahee 04/07/98

#30 14lb. 14.4oz. Fort Stewart (Big Metz Lake) Chuck King 02/??/00

#31 14lb. 14oz. Clarks Hill Lake Carl Sasser 1960

#31 14lb. 14oz. Taylor County Pond Zeke Rhodes 04/06/75

#33 14lb. 12oz. Bartow County Pond Andy Brook 05/30/97

#34 14lb. 11oz. Upson County POnd Randy Wilkins 06/15/89

#35 14lb. 7.5oz. Lake Eufaula Randy Dassinger 02/28/85

#36 14lb. 7oz. Lake Jackson John Burnett 03/09/86

#37 14lb. 4.3oz. Marion County Lake Sam Taylor 07/09/00

#38 14lb. 4oz. Marion County Lake Sam Taylor 04/07/97

#39 14lb. 3oz. Fort Stewart (Big Metz Lake) Eddie Hancock 03/13/90

#39 14lb. 3oz. Goat Rock Lake Garry Brannon 03/13/90

#41 14lb. 2oz. West Point Lake Richard Little 04/15/88

#42 14lb. 0.8oz. Dodge County PFA Charles Sloan 03/20/99

#43 14lb. 0oz. Lake Burton Carl Lovell Jr. 05/28/93

* Reprinted from Georgia Outdoor News, August 2002

According to this list there have been 6 bass over 17lbs caught in GA and 2 over 18.

And the GON list is not much better than the one we are discussing. It only shows a very small fraction of what has really been caught. The only guy I know of or have heard of that has actually tried to certify a bunch of fish is Sam Taylor and look at how many Sam has on that list. Theres a bunch more guys out there just looking for big fish who have caught multiple fish in the fifteen to sixteen pound range and I know of one who has one sixteen and a eighteen and bunches over fifteen. You just aren't going to hear about them unless they break the record. With so many lakes in GA destroyed by spots and hybrids as far as trophy potential they arent going to tell everyone about the few lakes that still have trophy potential so more people show up.

Mattlures reply :

Actualy Roadwarrior I dont know those guys. I have seen them but dont realy know them. Having a certified scale would be the best thing to do but It is not necessary if you keep the fish. I cant say for sure because I have not asked them but I would guess if that fish would have been caught corectly they would have kept it.

Now why do I defend them? I dont realy know. Maybe because I can Identify with them and share thier passion.

I to must be a retard because I am hunting that fish also and my scale is not certified. My scale is however a salter and is one of the most accurate made. I honestly belive the sacale issue is no big deal because If I catch that fish it wont be released. If I catch a 22lber I will document it with photos and whitnesses and quickly release the fish.

I am closer to action out here and I knpow the mindset. To me not having the scale is no big deal. I think they caught the fish, new it was hooked bad called thier atourny and he said it wouldnt count so just release it. They probably thought about trying to pass it off but who wouldnt at least think about. They did the right thing and releasde the fish. They didnt try and submit it. They didnt lie about it. So I defend them. Does that make sense?

I also dont defend all of them. Some of them lie and cheat and are just plain *****. Do you remember the Trew's with theie supossed WR? I instantly called BS on them.

Also Just so you know Mike Longs scale has been sent to the IGFA and is certified. Maybe I needto do mine to but I just dont think its that important. If I catch it its going home with me. anything less gets released.

roadwarrior reply :

Yes, I understand what you are saying.

I have a Shimano spring loaded scale which I calibrate with free weights. As a recreational fisherman, I can tell you this scale is 100% accurate. But, I only weigh BIG smallmouth and the ones over 5 Lbs that my partner thinks ARE NOT!

If I ever score 10+ I'm afraid that brown fish will not survive. Here on the Tennessee River, we have a shot at the next World Record Smallmouth, as remote as that might be. But if I were catching 10+ occasionally and an 11+ EVER, I would have a certified scale!

bassmasta7 reply :

"they arent going to tell everyone about the few lakes that still have trophy potential so more people show up"

Exactly. In Ga, a lot of those guys keep those lakes quiet. In those lakes with 16, 17, and 18lb fish, it is definitely possible for a fish to gain 4 more pounds to be a WR.If I caught an 18lb fish, I would tell everyone that I caught an 18lb fish but I wouldnt tell what lake because I would know that they would tell other people about it and it would get way too much fishing pressure. The only way I might try to get a fish certified was if it was over 18lbs (well i dont have to worry about that). They dont really have to worry about giving away their secret lakes in Cali because it is public knowledge which lakes hold record bass with stocked trout. Because of that, I understand that a lot of these lakes have crazy fishing pressure. That would be exactly what I wouldnt want to happen with my lake.

Example: Lake Nunya

cart7t reply :

Where is Marion County lake at in Georgia? That lake seems to be coughing up quite a few big fish to the same guy.

earthworm77 reply :

Wasn't the Defresco bass stuffed with diving weights? Lots of screwy attempts to cheat the record.

buzzbaitfool12 reply :

"they arent going to tell everyone about the few lakes that still have trophy potential so more people show up"

Example: Lake Nunya

Lake Nunya..You got it..The reason alot of people dont get is certified is they dont want the pressure put on the lakes it would bring...I live on Lake Nunya..It is an outstanding lake..I live 10minutes from Vaner which is imo the best lake in georgia for big fish..however I know nunya is the second best lake..The great thing it is private..In these lakes in California, I thought they were catch and release..did I misread that..If so that is what helps it..Unfortunately when you have govt sponsored fisherman catching these hogs on the bank they dont return them..To me our anglers in Georgia are not as educated about catch and release like cali..Like my neighbor on Nunya..his brother catches a 7lber this year and has it mounted..

To Matt..about these so called trophy hunters..You guys are calling out ole perry without knowledge of being there, i am going to call out so called cali hunters weakley..I bet you every penny I got in the bank,which isnt much lol, that if there were no witnesses about that fish being foul hooked it would have been the world record..I know we have been down this road before but who are you kidding..

bassmasta7 reply :

Quote
Wasn't the Defresco bass stuffed with diving weights? Lots of screwy attempts to cheat the record.

Yeah, the taxidermist was cutting open the bass's stomach when he found a 2 1/2lb weight in it. Defresco said the bass ate it when they were using the weight to hold down the stringer. And the Trew bass was just held out to the camera and had 2 witnesses. The lady's son and one of their friends. They said the bass weighed 22lbs 8oz which would barely make it a new world record.

compare Trew's bass to Dickerson's

There is no comparison. That bass isnt nearly a world record.

guest reply :

There is no doubt that the Weakley bass was one huge fish.

Maybe it did weigh more than the recognized record.

But that is a CLAIM, not a fact.

You cannot weigh a fish on an uncertified scale and state that the weight is accurate.

It's as simple as that.

Mattlures reply :

buzzbaitfool12 you are making assumptions. I actualy agree with you though. It is verry posible but I dont know because I have not been in that position. You have to admit it would be verry tempting. Think of this. You have been hunting that fish for the last 4 or five years being on the lake probably200- 250 days out of the year. You finaly get your shot. You have about 5 people withing 30 yards watching your every move including the ranger. It would be easy to tell if he was intenionaly trying to snagg it. Thier is a drizzle and it is early and dark with a little chop on the water. The fish has hit your jig a couple times already but it was dificult to see and you swung too late. Now you see the big fish go down on your jig and block your view of it. Your line jumps ............what do you do? YOU SWING. now the fish runs towards the dock but you just barley keep it away from the cables. you pull the fish within range but your net man misses. Finaly you get the fish close enough and its netted. The first thing you see is the Jig sticking in the fin and know your screwed. At this point you try to justify it in your mind. I didnt try to snagg it but you know there were witnesses. Thats when they made the call to their lawyer. I assume he told them it was against CA law to keep the fish and advised them to let it go. At this time they knew it was over. Thats why they didnt get a measurement or wait for a certified scale. It wouldnt have mattered. I am sure pure curiosty and self gratification is why they even weighed it the first place.

This is my take on what happened. I will tell you this. Mac has not returned to the lake since. He was ruined. He was so close and then crushed. I am guessing he and the other 2 will be back this year after having time to mourn. Also a few weeks after that fish was spotted and Mike Long and John Kerr were on it for a little while and it even went nose down on Johns bait ONCE and then it left and wasnt spotted any more. I do not know what was going on in thier minds at the time I can only speculate.

Why I feel the need to defend them is not bassed on my opinion but bassed on their actions. They inevitably did the right thing. maybe they thought about trying to pass it off but they didnt do it. Like I said They told the truth and released the fish. What more could they have done?

Their have definatl been cheats and I do not defend them at all they are the lowest. They are worse than guys who put fish in cages to win tournaments.

bassmasta7 reply :

Quote
Also a few weeks after that fish was spotted and Mike Long and John Kerr were on it for a little while and it even went nose down on Johns bait ONCE and then it left and wasnt spotted any more. I do not know what was going on in thier minds at the time I can only speculate.

That is amazing. One fish in a giant lake and Mike Long finds it even with all the increased fishing pressure. That just supports what Matt has been saying all along about Mike Long. He is the greatest angler of all time. I wonder if that fish is still alive and ready to be caught in a couple of months, hmmm...

Catt reply :

I still think its awesome knowing a hawg of that size (25.1 or not) exist and is swimming around out there and still growing. Honestly I read this post before I went to bed last night and could not fall asleep just thinking about it.

Matt stick that hawg and end this

BASS fisherman reply :

Just a quick question:

How does one get a scale certified?

Mattlures reply :

bassmasta the lake is small and that fish spawns in certain area, not the same spot but a certain area. Mike has caught that same fish once when it was 20.75. Also while everybody was up a dixon after that 25lber was caught Mike went out and caught his personal best at 21.5. He gets so close every year. He told me he was on a fish for 3 days one time that he knew was about 24lbs. He specificaly said NOT 25 but 24. He said that fish was soo locked it wouldnt leave the bed and no matter what he did he couldnt get it to bite. On the last day that he could take off of work he said just before he left he stuck his rod down in the water and poked the fish. Could you imagine? First off who could take that much pressure? I would die of a heart attack! Mike will break 22.4lbs I just hope he is the first to do it.

Bass fisherman, that is a good question I believe you send your scale to the IGFA and they check it.

IMO your scale is just for your own justification. If sombody Wants to doubt you they will. I weigh all my big fish and even smaller ones, I am very good at guessing weights. If I catch the world record I wouldnt care if my scale is certified. I would keep the fish and have it weighed. I do of course keep my scale wich I have personly checked it to be extremly accurate for my own peice of mind. If I catch a 21lber I will weigh it and know it aint gettin there so I would take some measurement and some pics and release the fish. I may or may not report the location of wereI caught it. In all honesty I dont realy beleive I will catch it. I have a better shot that 99.9999999999% of the population but my chances are still 1 in a million ok maybe 1 in 10,000 Mike I would say has about a 1 in 20 chance.

Mattlures reply :

Avid I do agree with you kind of. I guess it is not fact because it was not a certified scale but consider this. The fish was caught in front of witnesses including the ranger. It was put on a stringer and they went out and called their lawyer. the lake is only around 80 acres. They only went out a little ways but definatly in clear view. Nothing was done to the fish. They brought the fish to the dock and weighed it withan accurate didgital scale, I know it wasnt certified but that doesnt mean it is not accurate. The weighing was captured on video for the whole world to see. The scale stopped at 25.1. Basscenter checked the scale and found it to be accurate. Now I guess you could argue that this is not fact but its prety darn close and I bleive it is reasonable proof. It is the biggest bass ever caught that has been documanted. Duclose's fish is a much better argument for you. his being weighed on a bathroom scale becuase he couldt find any other one and he was worried about the fish dying. He subtracted his weight from the total to get 24lbs. Now obviously the IGFA could not grant him the record because that in fact was not an accurate way to weigh the fish. It could have been 26lbs or 21lbs. I do believe that is was AROUND 24lbs but that is just not good enough for the IGFA or me. The IGFA did make a statement about Macs 25.1 saying the would definatly consider it even though the scale was not certified because off all the proof. They never got the chance.

On a side note this thread has remained fairly tame. Quite impresive considering how passionate many of us are with the subject of big bass and the world record.

KYbass1276 reply :

Just to let people know that there where certified scales at the dock where wheatly and friends where standing for a couple of pictures. Thats what the park ranger who was being interveiwed by bass center said. I think I would out of my own curiosity would have weighed it on that scale.

cbfishalot reply :

THE MOST IMPRESSIVE THING ABOUT MIKE LONG IS HE MAKES THE LIST WITH 5 DIFFERENT LAKES!!!!!

Paying someone to not fish for the world record bass.........$1000

Fishing rod.......................................................................$350

Fishing reel......................................................................$250

Tackle......................................................................$100Parks pass.......................................................................$10

WEIGHTING YOUR WORLD RECORD BASS WITH A $1.99 SCALE PRICELESS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Just say no to drugs!!!!!

Glenn reply :

Lot's of questions about catching the big girls and how to certify them. These articles should help:

http://www.bassresource.com/fishing/be_prepared.html

http://www.bassresource.com/fishing/certify.html

http://www.bassresource.com/fishing/Record_fish.html

http://www.bassresource.com/fishing/trophy_bass_fishing.html

Enjoy!

guest reply :

Quote
Avid I do agree with you kind of.

LOL Mattlures you are a great guy. I really like your posts (and your lures ain't bad either )

Earthworm -

Quote
Forget about a certified scale for a moment

Sorry, but I cannot forget about that the scale was not certified. This is the centerpiece of my argument. I simply cannot accept that these guys who are dedicated WR hunters had this bass located and identified. Made arrangements to be there specifically to catch the WR and did not bring a certified scale. It's absurd, and I don't buy it. Sorry.

I'm also tired about hearing about the conditions involved around "certifying" the Perry bass as the WR.

The guy did all that was required at the time. IGFA accepted it.

End of story.

Avid has spoken

PS - I think the argument that Mike Long should be considered one of the all time greats of bass fishing is an extremely important point. We are so bombarded with media hype about tournament pros that we are being brainwashed into not accepting other standards of greatness as valid

Ky_Lake_Dude reply :

31 of those bass were caught by Mike Long.

earthworm77 reply :

George Perry's record was accepted long after the fact by information provided by a third party. There were no photos and we all know the dimensions are suspect. In my law enforcement career this was defined as hearsay and couldn't stand in a court of law. I do not believe Weakley's fish should be the record based on the circumstances surrounding the foul hooking of the fish however, there is no doubt based on photos, the weighing and video that this is the largest bass ever recorded. If it was 25.1 or 24.9 who cares? At least we will always have the proof that this giant was caught. Any naysayer to the Weakly fish must consider the lack of physical evidence regarding the Perry bass. There is not even a photo. How can anyone admantly defend a position without proof?

I am passionate about this sport since I make a good living at it, I certainly do not see the questionable record as a good measure of what this sport is about, what it stands for. I'd like to see the meat and potatoes and have there be no question that a record truly was caught. As far as standards, everything about the current record is a gray area. You have no photo, you have no witness, the fish was eaten before it could be examined, you don't want to question Perry's integrity but he did claim three different lures caught the fish so appraently he did have something to gain by misleading people, his photo never surfaced, you know, the one he said he would give the lure company if they threw him some lures. That is extortion by the way. I think Perry knew exactly how to manipulate the people he had to. In his era, there may not have been the millions to gain but since he was referred to as a poor farm boy, anything he could gain might seem like a windfall to him.

Forgive me for sheding the doubt in this but there really is little more than someone saying it happened and it being in the records as the only proof we have that it actually occurred. That's not enough for me. I'm not naive enough to just accept it. Obviously the standards to legitimze a record were nil back then. If you are Ok with that cool. But to attest that Weakley's fish wasn't weighed on a certifed scale and doubt that weight after seeing the fish for yourself, how can you believe in any facet of the Perry story? It lacks any physical proof. Even if you believe in the nostalgia of the good 'Ole South holding the record, you have to see that there are holes everywhere regarding this fish story.

buzzbaitfool12 reply :

Earthworm..I have no pictures of my greatgrandfather...does this mean he did not exist ;D..When the bass was caught by Perry, food was more important and there were no kinkos or photoshops or cameras that are as available as today..It just was not that important to take pictures at this time..I was not alive at this time and I can only believe what is told..They weighed this fish on either a meat scale or post office scale and cannot remember which one it was..

Master_Hunter_1977 reply :

I would like to have the time to spend that much time on the water as mike long has to achieve that stat. It for sure is a huge feat.

Scott

Tight lines to all

roadwarrior reply :

Craig,

No I don't think you are the "only one," but this was beat to death on another thread that we both participated in. This thread is NOT about Perry's fish.

-Kent

phisher_d reply :

Quote
How about a list like that for smallmouth?

Out of In-Fisherman magazine, January 2002.

10 lbs. 14 oz. John Gorman, 4/24/69, Dale Hollow, TN

10 lbs. 8 oz. Paul E. Beal, 4/14/86, Dale Hollow, TN

10 lbs. 8oz. Owen F. Smith, 1950, Wheeler Dam Tailwater, AL

10 lbs. 2oz. Archie Lampkin, 1951, Hiwassee Reservoir, NC

10 lbs. 1oz. Billy Westmorland, 1972, Dale Hollow, TN

9lbs. 13.5oz. Andy Anderson, 1954, Birch Bark Lake, Ontario

9lbs. 12oz. David Lindsay, 1971, South Branch, WV

9lbs. 10oz. Mike Curry, 1989, Pickwick Lake, TN

9lbs. 6oz. Terry Dodson, 2001, Lake Jocassee, SC

9lbs. 5oz. Randy Van Dam, 1993, Lake Erie, OH

9lbs. 4oz. W.F. Shoemaker, 1906, Long Lake, MI

Record in limbo*:

11lbs. 15oz. David Hayes, 7/9/55, Dale Hollow

*wasn't a record at the time the mag was printed.

I don't know how many of these fish have been certified, I haven't even heard of most of these guys, just thought some of you might be interested in seeing this.

Ky_Lake_Dude reply :

Quote
I'm not bashing George Perry, but isn't it strange that Georgia only makes the list one time? In theory, it seems like a state would have to produce a number of 18, 19 and 20 lb bass if it were to produce a 22 lb 4 oz fish. Interesting, hun?

From what I know several 10-15 lbers are caught every year out of Georgia

Ky_Lake_Dude reply :

Quote
George Perry's record was accepted long after the fact by information provided by a third party. There were no photos and we all know the dimensions are suspect. In my law enforcement career this was defined as hearsay and couldn't stand in a court of law. I do not believe Weakley's fish should be the record based on the circumstances surrounding the foul hooking of the fish however, there is no doubt based on photos, the weighing and video that this is the largest bass ever recorded. If it was 25.1 or 24.9 who cares? At least we will always have the proof that this giant was caught. Any naysayer to the Weakly fish must consider the lack of physical evidence regarding the Perry bass. There is not even a photo. How can anyone admantly defend a position without proof?
I am passionate about this sport since I make a good living at it, I certainly do not see the questionable record as a good measure of what this sport is about, what it stands for. I'd like to see the meat and potatoes and have there be no question that a record truly was caught. As far as standards, everything about the current record is a gray area. You have no photo, you have no witness, the fish was eaten before it could be examined, you don't want to question Perry's integrity but he did claim three different lures caught the fish so appraently he did have something to gain by misleading people, his photo never surfaced, you know, the one he said he would give the lure company if they threw him some lures. That is extortion by the way. I think Perry knew exactly how to manipulate the people he had to. In his era, there may not have been the millions to gain but since he was referred to as a poor farm boy, anything he could gain might seem like a windfall to him.

Forgive me for sheding the doubt in this but there really is little more than someone saying it happened and it being in the records as the only proof we have that it actually occurred. That's not enough for me. I'm not naive enough to just accept it. Obviously the standards to legitimze a record were nil back then. If you are Ok with that cool. But to attest that Weakley's fish wasn't weighed on a certifed scale and doubt that weight after seeing the fish for yourself, how can you believe in any facet of the Perry story? It lacks any physical proof. Even if you believe in the nostalgia of the good 'Ole South holding the record, you have to see that there are holes everywhere regarding this fish story.

Yes there is a photo of the WR bass,it was in the June 2006 Bassmaster Magazine.

roadwarrior reply :

phisher_d,

Thanks! I have never seen that list.

All the more amazing that David Hayes' fish stands so far above the pack. BTW, he still has the skin mount of that giant!

earthworm77 reply :

spnerbat101-no, there is a photo in the June 2006 Bassmaster of a fish claimed to be the record but George Perry is not in that photo, I've researched this for quite sometime in order to become skeptical about it. Since this list goes to 16's, all fish under that size are irrelevant, 10 to 15lbers don't make the cut.

BASSMACHINE reply :

Perry's fish is the record reguardless of any ones doubt. It is number one so we should not even be questioning it's exsitance. 22lbs 4oz is the mark. Until someone catches a largemouth bigger, it will remain number one in the record book. Why would anyone want to bash a man for an astounding accomplishment ,especially since that man is no longer alive to defend himself.

Matt Fly reply :

Cali fishermen have just has many fish being eaten as any were else. 14 years of watching Asain fishermen keep everything, and I mean anything and every thing.

You must first have the ingridients to grow such bass for them to be caught. We have beaten this horse to death many times.

You have the longiest growing season in the US. You have deep waters that offer warmer temps that don't stop bass from growing in the southern Cali lakes and resorvoirs during Winter.

I don't care, you add northern temps to the mix, and you are no different than the rest of the US.

Why is Tx, Fla, Mexico and Cuba always listed as possible WR locations, its has some of the longer growing seasons..

Why has Northern Cali not weighed in a 20lber? They have plenty of trout!!!!!

Maybe the weather up north doesn't allow them to grow 365 days a year as the milder climate does down south.

Matt

Matt Fly reply :

I wanted to add some other factors as well.

They say the fish are more pressured in southern Cali, but, most San Diego lakes are fish from sun up till sun down, thus no night fishing ever!!!!!!

Some lakes that produce those hawgs are only open to skiing only on certain days. Can you imagine having a lake that is only open to fishing 3-4 days a week, then skiing only for 3-4 days?

No trot lines, means no live bait, means no loss of bass due to being caught on trotlines like other states.

NO lake houses, or in another words, no lake property owners on the lower So Cal lakes, which means that fishing is still limited to day light hours only!!!!!

Just think if night fishing was legal, how much pressure those So cal lakes would get.

matt

earthworm77 reply :

I haven't begun to bash Mr. Perry. Just pointing out the inaccuracies of the record. You are right it is the record but that doesn't mean I have to like or even accept it in my mind. Nor does it mean that I can't question its authenticity or the facts behind it. There is little solid evidence behind it so I will continue to question it until more proof is provided or until someone from California breaks the record this year.

I'm sure if Mr. Perry was alive, he would decline to answer questions or take a lie detector test about the catch as he did before his passing, so nothing would be accomplished by that. Strange that a man questioned about his catch did nothing to clear up the facts when he was alive.

Captain Cali reply :

Quote
Bob Crupi should hold the World Record.

That works for me! In my mind, Crupi does hold the world record. 8-)

earthworm77 reply :

Agreed about the Crupi fish. its funny about some of the scams. The Trew fish looks tiny in compaison to some of the legit big fish. I can't believe that someone tried to pass it off as a record.

roadwarrior reply :

Craig, the fish in your avatar could be anything you want it to be!

Man, I'm not exaggerating, that is a GREAT picture. Size, lighting, contrast, angle and the way you have it held...That's what a "pro" is all about. I'm glad you weighed and posted this fish, it just demonstrates all the reasons you are so passionate about the Perry fish.

earthworm77 reply :

That fish is a 10-7. I looked up a Florida 15-5 through the Fish and Game commision and it looks small compared to my photo, I'm not saying it is smaller in weight but it really does matter how the photo is shot. Take the Trew fish, I think we could compare my photo to it on any site where nobody knew the real weights and most would say the one I'm holding looks bigger. I do not know the true weight of her fish but I do know she is a tiny women so it can't be close to the claimed 20+ lbs. If I'm not mistaken I think they said it was a new World Record. An educated guess would be about 8 or 9 lbs.

Brother Kent, I'm no Pro. But thanks. Are you putting a hurting on those mid winter smallies yet?

roadwarrior reply :

Nope. Too many variables on the Tennessee River. For awhile TVA wouldn't give us any water and now they have opened the flood gates! I had a BIG trip planned this weekend which we had to cancel. Man, I really feel the pain of that old saying, "That's fishing!"

Back on topic,

Bassmaster or In-Fisherman did a VERY detailed analysis of the Trew fish and came up with a number of around 18 lbs, max. As we all know, pictures can be misleading, both too small and too big. Craig's fish was a pig and a true trophy for most of us, but the picture just blows me away.

ONLY 10-7?

That's too bad. :'(

earthworm77 reply :

Only 10-7 but we can call it 15 if you are more comfortable with that. lol

Got Bass? reply :

This is a picture of George Perry and a little boy holding "THE" fish...............SWEET!!!!!!

Cigarlover 1 reply :

Hey Got Bass? this pic was discussed a while back. Here's the link

http://www.bassresource.com/bass_fishing_forums/YaBB.pl?num=1148412840/0

Mattlures reply :

Oh boy Got bass, nobody in that pic has been identified. Nothing in that pic has been proven. That is not Perry! Now before you all jump on me I used to be the biggest Perry doubter alive. Now I just dont know but I do like to clear up the facts. That Pic is not Perry. I emailed the editor of Bassmaster about that pic and he said as to the authenticity of that photo its anybody's guess. All they Know about that picture is that it was found when sombody's aunt died a few years ago. The said her family could, did I say COULD HAVE know Perry's family. They also said those palm trees in the back ground looked like the ones in front of the post office where Perry alegedly weighed his fish. Trying to make that picture into proof is a HUGE stretch. That big fish could have been found floating, heck they could have dynomited it. It could have been a big fish caught in Florida. I am a reasonable man and I am uncertain if I believe in the record or not, but IF that were Perryin the Pic it would have been good enough for me. I would have given him the benefit of the doubt. My overall position on the subject is this. I dont think iot should be the record bassed on the lack of evidence and all the discrepencies. I am not saying he didnt catch it though. I am also not saying thats not his fish in the picture. It could be but there is nothing to go along with it and its not Perry or any of his reletives in the pic.

Glenn reply :

Ok guys, I've been watching this thread closely for awhile now, and it's going nowhere fast. 6 pages of "Perry is the record holder" "Well, not REALLY", "Yes he is", "I doubt it", "California RULES!", "No it doesn't", "Perry is great!", "You have no proof", "I have enough proof!", "Well MY state is bigger than yours!" ....

So unless you have something riveting and NEW to add, let's move on.

Mattlures reply :

I agee Glenn it wasnt supossed to be a Perry post. We have had a ton of those and peoples opinions just dont change much. It seems people from the eastcoast doubts the big Cali fish and people from the west doubts Perry's fish. People believe or disbelieve what they want to no matter how much proof or lack of proof there is! I posted videos Of Butch Brown catching monsters on swimbaits on another site and because it wasnt thier state they could not accept it. It was almost comical reading the responses of how the simple video with a boat mounted camera was faked. I just posted the list because I found it very interesting and I have seen a lot of list that were VERY weak and had many large fish missing from them.

This list, even though its a couple years old and I am sure its missing some is still the best one I have found. I cant wait to see if Terry updated it with current info!

Catt reply :

Question? Why the 4 year discrepancy?

Consider the following: Ray Scott the founder of B.A.S.S. sent one of his reporters to do an interview with Perry in 1978 and administer a lie detector test. Perry only did the interview and declined the lie detector test. Quote Craig DeFronzo earthworm77

1974 George Perry, who caught the 22-4 world record largemouth in 1932, dies in plane crash near Birmingham, Ala. Quote B.A.S.S web site

Just trying to catch up 8-)

Mattlures reply :

The interview was conducted by Terry Drace in 1973 for Bassmaster magazine Ray Scott wanted Perry to take a lie detector test. As you know Perry did not.

BASSMACHINE reply :

Ok back to the subject! That is one sweet list! All the way down to 102. I hope I get my name in the top 100 this year! I don't think the record is getting broken this year. To be honest I think it will stand for another 4 or 5 years, just my personal opinion.

Fishing Doug reply :

Agreed, that is one sweet list, and fishing the waters around the midwest I will likely never be on that list.....I'll shoot for the Missouri State Record instead-much less controversy anyway! ;D

Raul made a great point somewhere within this topic-what about the monsters caught in Mexico but not recorded? I have been doing research on El Salto for a potential trip this year and the amount of pics I see with people holding 10 pounders is amazing. If a lake can produce multiple 10 pounders, isn't there a real decent chance that the holds a potential world record, assuming one has not already been caught out of that water? Correct me if I am wrong, but E Salto is not the only lake in Mexico capable of double digit bass...

guest reply :

Let's put the fork in this turkey (till next time)

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