Your Opinion On The Next World Record Largemouth 2024
spencer12 reply :
So what does everyone think? Where will the next world record largemouth be caught? Will it be out west in one of california's deep trout stocked reservoirs, maybe japans lake biwa, or maybe even the florida strain's home state of Fla.? I have my opinion and will share when we have a significant amount of opinions and views on the matter. Your thoughts?
frogflogger reply :
Lake Biwa must be in the mix - it is huge and obviously has some huge fish, as do some waters in Zimbabwe and South Africa - California can be in the mix if they restart the heavy trout stockings that gave them the lunker boom - I still believe Florida has some world records swimming around - there is so much water and vegetation there despite the constant degradation of their waters - there are a lot of teeners caught in Florida that never make the news.
I also believe there should be different records for northern strain and Florida strain bass - a 10 pound northern strain bass is much more a trophy than a 12 pound Florida strain.
.ghoti. reply :
Don't have one. Either an opinion, or a world record.
zachb34 reply :
I live in florida and we don't see the amount of teeners that California does. We do seem to be the 8 pounder capital of the world though. While okeechobee for sure holds some giants I would say California would have a better chance. I've also heard due to our hot weather year round fish have a shorter life. Not sure if that's true or not. If it true 7 feet of water is deep for okeechobee and those fish have no where to hide from heat.
bigbill reply :
The next world record could come from your local pond that has the correct eco system to have big bass.
My three healthy places I fish at hold bigger bass. I notice there are larger bass than 10lbs. If I'm seeing them and lost a few bigger bass than every body of water that's healthy has to have the same big bass.
The record in this country was from Georgia. They caught a bigger one than the record but they ate it. Not California, not Florida but in Georgia. The next state record could be in your backyard. The next world record could be there too it's mommy.
Find a healthy place to fish were the panfishing are healthy and big. Fish it hard.
Big bass eat sunfish, eels and crawfish. Plus ducklings.
BassinLou reply :
On 8/2/2015 at 11:32 PM, zachb34 said:I live in florida and we don't see the amount of teeners that California does. We do seem to be the 8 pounder capital of the world though. While okeechobee for sure holds some giants I would say California would have a better chance. I've also heard due to our hot weather year round fish have a shorter life. Not sure if that's true or not. If it true 7 feet of water is deep for okeechobee and those fish have no where to hide from heat.
If we happen to hold the next world record of LMB, it will be caught in waters North of Lake O up to Northern Florida. South of Lake O its not happening. We don't have the environment to sustain a teener. The heat, and shallow water wreaks havoc on the fish's metabolism.
Mainebass1984 reply :
On 8/2/2015 at 8:56 PM, frogflogger said:Lake Biwa must be in the mix - it is huge and obviously has some huge fish, as do some waters in Zimbabwe and South Africa - California can be in the mix if they restart the heavy trout stockings that gave them the lunker boom - I still believe Florida has some world records swimming around - there is so much water and vegetation there despite the constant degradation of their waters - there are a lot of teeners caught in Florida that never make the news.
I also believe there should be different records for northern strain and Florida strain bass - a 10 pound northern strain bass is much more a trophy than a 12 pound Florida strain.
Agreed. I think Florida and Georgia are still contenders. A 17 lb 9.6 largemouth was recently caught out of Georgia. In my own opinion the next world record will not come from the US. I personally think it will be Japan. They catch a lot of big bass that we don't even hear about.
Having a different record for northern strain and florida strain would be difficult. Many places in this country have a mixture of both strains.
I 100% agree with you that catch a 10 lb northern strain largemouth is much more of a trophy than a 12 lb florida strain. A 10 lb northern strain largemouth would be pushing 20 years old or older, much much older than any florida strain bass could ever live.
Bruce424 reply :
California has probably the best chance. The deeper waters and the forage base. Texas too. And florida.
zeth reply :
Hard to say never fished anywhere except the midwest and Cali. I would say here in California just because I have seen numerous fish over 15lbs. I live in Oakland, very urban and the small reservoirs around here have massive fish. Fishing pressure is high and catching them is another story. I for sure know of one reservoir within 15 minutes of my house that has at least one 20+ swimming around. Saw it while walking the dogs. No fishing allowed however and it is enforced. Not worth the risk.
Raul reply :
spencer12 reply :
I see a lot of you guy's are leaning towards Japan and Cali. Seeing Raul's location reminded me of old mexico. Mexico has a chance as well. I would like to note the Japanese govt. recently added bass to the invasive species list. They are supposedly supposed to be removed if caught. Don't know if thats been mentioned or not. Personally here is my take on it, California has the best chance in my opinion BUT I think the fish there get waaaaay to much pressure for the small reservoirs around the big bass areas (Within a hundred mile or so radius of LA i believe) That being said I still think Fla or Ga has a great great chance to at least put a 20+ in the books. Also I believe the fish will come in a smaller body of water 200 acres or less. Anyone know how many 20lbers have been entered in the record books? Can't be more than a few id guess.
Senko lover reply :
A: Private waters
B: California
C: Japan
WRB reply :
California has 20 of the top 25 bass listed, the odds favor California.
The top 2 are tied for the current world record at 22.25 ( Perry ) GA and 22.3 (Kurita) Japan. There isn't any doubt about the Kurita bass, the Perry bass has never been proven, it's grandfathered without a photo of the angler holding the bass, authentic photo of the bass or statement from Perry's partner or impartial witness, today this bass would not be accepted.
The Crupi 22.1 #3 bass from Castaic was never authenticated and released, therefor not listed as California state record. #13, 20 lb bass from Florida falls into the no proof of catch, no photo, witness or authenticated weght and not listed as Florida's state record.
My 19.3 and Butch Browns 19.3 are not listed, both released before being authenticated, in California it's difficult to authenticate* a catch without killing the bass. It's easier today with smart phones to alert the DFW and certified scales are available to anglers.
Where or when the next world record bass will be caught is unknown.
* the official DFW personnel must examine the bass to authenticate the catch was legal.
Tom
einscodek reply :
Bets are on the southern most states Texas thru Florida.. its time to bring the record home
Big C reply :
I know exactly where it will be caught...freshwater.
Big C reply :
In Cali, Japan, or Mexico.
jamey1e reply :
I say it'll come from some type of private waters (probably down south). For example look at what Dr. Gary Schwarz is doing with the deer and bass on his ranch in Texas.
spencer12 reply :
Here is a current list of the top 25 Ga. Bass (This doesn't include the #5 Bass caught this april 17.6lbs I believe) I know a few 16lb+ fish that have been caught and not certified as well.
#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
Logan S reply :
Probably Japan, but I've read that the big bass over there are in decline...For all we know, world record sized fish have been caught and killed by commercial fisherman on Biwa already. On many waters over there, including Biwa, anglers are required to kill any bass they catch (though I imagine bass fisherman are releasing them).
California probably has about an equal shot at it, it definitely has the track record for upper teen fish. I just think it's slightly behind Japan.
I'd love it to be Florida as someone who was born and raised there, but it's probably behind both CA and Japan in it's chances . Lots of big bass, but they seem top out before getting to that 20 lb range.
Don't know a whole lot about Mexico bass fishing, but I don't think I've read about many near 20 lb fish? I would imagine the big resort lakes would get that in the fishing news somehow. Could be way off though...To me it seems similar to TX, plenty of big ones but topping out before WR size.
In my mind those are the front-runners. Other states in the southeast and/or Texas are long shots, but there's still a chance.
My completely unscientific guess:
Japan - 50%
California - 45%
Florida - 4%
TX or other southeastern state + Mexico - 1%
Basswhippa reply :
On 8/3/2015 at 5:42 AM, spencer12 said:Here is a current list of the top 25 Ga. Bass (This doesn't include the #5 Bass caught this april 17.6lbs I believe) I know a few 16lb+ fish that have been caught and not certified as well.
#3 17lb. 14oz. Chastain's Lake (Cobb County) Nickey Rich 04/27/65
#4 17lb. 9oz. Lake Lanier Emory Dunahoo 12/19/65
Number 4 was a northern strain...
Not sure about 3.
Not sure about 3.WRB reply :
Just curious, how do you know the #4, 17.9 was a northern strain, was it examined? Did it have fewer than 68 lateral line pore scales for example? Just because a bass is out of it's native range doesn't mean a transplant didn't happen.On 8/3/2015 at 11:30 AM, Basswhippa said:On 8/3/2015 at 5:42 AM, spencer12 said:Here is a current list of the top 25 Ga. Bass (This doesn't include the #5 Bass caught this april 17.6lbs I believe) I know a few 16lb+ fish that have been caught and not certified as well.
#3 17lb. 14oz. Chastain's Lake (Cobb County) Nickey Rich 04/27/65
#4 17lb. 9oz. Lake Lanier Emory Dunahoo 12/19/65
Number 4 was a northern strain...
Tom
RoLo reply :
I have a hunch that the angling world may be blindsided again by the next world-record bass.
No matter where it's caught, world-class bass have one thing in common, they're all Florida-strain bass.
Oddly enough though, therein lies the rub. Back in the day of yore, Florida was virtually the only destination
for trophy bass hunters. Nevertheless, the applecart was upset when the world-record bass came from
Montgomery Lake in Georgia! Florida-strain bass were then transplanted in California,
and though it took several years, the bass fishing scenario made a remarkable transition.
California began cranking out world-class bass, and everyone was expecting a new world record.
I made a friendly bet with my buddy that California would not set a new world-record.
It came down to ounces but I never lost that bet...LOL Before the barnburner in Lake Biwa,
I stated here on the forum that I thought Japan was a sleeper, but that went over like a lead balloon :-))
Today I'm placing my bet on Mother Nature. And speaking of lead balloons, I believe that Florida
is silently becoming a strong contender, which once again would boycott expectations.
There's something magical & unique about a species living within its natural range.
When I was growing up in the 50s, the town of Hillside, NJ was blanketed by countless flocks
of European starlings & English sparrows (aka house sparrows). Everyone was predicting
that they'd wipe out our native birds. Indeed, starlings & English sparrows made serious inroads,
but today they've all but vanished from the landscape. I see a few English sparrows now and then
in Walmart's open-air roof, but haven't seen one starling in years.
The 'genetic vigor' of any transplanted species wanes over time, which is especially true for bass.
Within the natural range of Micropterus salmoides 'floridanus' there is no genetic reversion,
where the species will remain unchanged forever. Without stocking or help from man, any pond in Florida
can produce a double-digit bass. Floridanus has been around Robin's barn a few times,
and the next world-record may ultimately be decided by the last man standing (we'll see).
Roger
Bluebasser86 reply :
On 8/3/2015 at 4:28 AM, Big C said:In Cali, Japan, or Mexico.
X2
Catt reply :
Top 3 bass in the world
George Perry's 22.25: there is enough information available for me to give him the benefit of doubt. How many cameras do ya think were available in 1932 let along in a tiny rural town in Georgia?
Manabu Kurita's 22.311: Documented! Yelp that one was!
Mac Weakley's "Dottie" 25 lbs 1 oz: Foul hooked! Who cares! I watched them weigh her!
I agree with Roger, I think everyone's bubble will be busted again!
clh121787 reply :
No one mentioned cuba. I read of a local spearing a 30# lmb. Maybe Cubans never let the truth get in the way of a good fish story.
Basswhippa reply :
WRB, I was standing on the shores of Lanier at a BASS tournament that KVD won around 1991/1992. It was announced at the tournament. "Folks the lake record is 17 pounds, and folks, that is a northern strain largemouth." It shocked bystanders.
Figured that would interest some folks. As you mention, it could be in error, if it were a transplant or a fish that swam away from its native range prior to impoundment. Lanier back then would have been perfect to grow such a beast, with less pressure.
frogflogger reply :
When Rojas caught that record sack on Kissimmee they saw a bass they were convinced weighed 25lbs. Doug Hannon said he had tangled with record sized bass in some remote small Florida lakes - if there is a record in the state it will be north of the big O
RoLo reply :
On 8/3/2015 at 7:00 PM, clh121787 said:No one mentioned Cuba. I read of a local spearing a 30# lmb. Maybe Cubans never let the truth get in the way of a good fish story.
To attain world-class status, a largemouth bass must have the best of all worlds.
It must live at a latitude that's far enough south to provide the solar energy needed for a fast 'growth rate'
and prolonged growing season. But it must also live far enough north to provide a prolonged 'life span'.
Bass living at the southern extremity of their range tend to die prematurely due to thermal burnout
(like pushing a plant with grow lights). When either growth rate or longevity is lacking,
you can still have a bounty of trophy-class bass, but not world-class bass.
The former world-record held by Georgia was apparently a very old bass, because its latitude
flirted with the northerly extreme of Floridanus lineage. The effect of thermal burnout can be seen
even within the state of Florida. A high percentage of Florida's heaviest bass hail from northern Florida waters
like Rodman, Kingsley and the upper St Johns River near Green Cove Springs (Two 18 pounders).
Lake Okeechobee in south Florida is fabled for its trophy-bass, but if you're looking for a Teener,
you're odds are much higher in the Kissimmee Chain of Lakes and northern Florida.
Roger
00 mod reply :
Mexico has a chance-
Lake Baccarac record is 19.1lbs
Lake El Salto - 18lbs 8 oz
Sugar Lake- 18+
Lake Comedero - 19lb 6oz
Lake Mateos - 18+
Lake Guerrero - 19+
I have heard stories several different times of locals with bass in excess of the world record. It drives me to keep going. Most of these records were caught in the early 1990's- but that doesn't mean there aren't still WR bass swimming there. I will let ya'll know when I catch it!
Jeff
Raul reply :
I doubt Mexico will be the home of the next WR, my reasons
1.- it´s too warm
2.- once a lake has produced a couple of big mommas the word gets out and then EVERYBODY FISHES IT TO DEATH
3.- Mexican lakes are not managed for big largemouth, they are managed to produce tons of tilapia and carp
4.- the same commercial fishermen that fish for tilapia and carp ( which know ***** about biology ) kill every bass they can put their hands on
5.- So far there is only one lake in the entire country managed for sport fishing: Lake "El Cuchillo"
6.- Incredibly enough we have the mindblogging situation in which most of the fisherman actually go to fish hoping to catch a big one not to mount it but to eat it ! I kid you not. anybody remember this baby ?
WRB reply :
Northern Largemouth bass
7-9 scale rows above the lateral line.
59-68 scales in the lateral line.
15-16 scales rows below the lateral line.
Florida Largemouth bass
8-9 scale rows above the lateral line.
69-73 scales in the lateral line.
17-18 scales below the lateral line.
Field identification is fairly easy determining a NLMB from a FLMB, someday the IGFA will recognize the 2 bass are different and may establish records for both species. It isn't necessary for the FLMB to be a pure strain, if it's finer scaled, has 69 or more lateral line pore scales, it's a FLMB.
This would open the door to NLMB records when the catch is authenticated. We know the Kurita 22.3 lb bass is a FLMB world record.
Where will the next world record be caught? Ideally from Florida and fishery management is changing but guides still target big female bed fish using live bait and that isn't good for the trophy bass population.
Cuba and Mexico consider bass as a food source, allow gill nets and that needs to change.
Japan considers bass a invasive species, that needs to change.
South Africa also has netting problems and a wide range of predators.
California has tremendous fishing pressure and a lack of fishery management, there are a few trophy bass locations with a possible giant in the population, it could happen in a few years.
Texas is trying to produce a world record bass and has the fishery management to achieve this goal.
Louisiana is also into the trophy bass program, introducing FLMB in several fisheries.
Georgia is a possibility if you believe in the Perry bass.
Tom
00 mod reply :
On 8/3/2015 at 10:56 PM, Raul said:
I doubt Mexico will be the home of the next WR, my reasons
1.- it´s too warm
2.- once a lake has produced a couple of big mommas the word gets out and then EVERYBODY FISHES IT TO DEATH
3.- Mexican lakes are not managed for big largemouth, they are managed to produce tons of tilapia and carp
4.- the same commercial fishermen that fish for tilapia and carp ( which know ***** about biology ) kill every bass they can put their hands on
5.- So far there is only one lake in the entire country managed for sport fishing: Lake "El Cuchillo"
6.- Incredibly enough we have the mindblogging situation in which most of the fisherman actually go to fish hoping to catch a big one not to mount it but to eat it ! I kid you not. anybody remember this baby ?
Well, the lake I caught it produced consistently many fish like that during a couple of years and, go to point No 2., in the present time you won´t catch something like that and not even closely related because those fish are gone, I heard it many times and even saw it with my eyes.
While I don't disagree, there is still a possibility! And for that I will keep the quest alive!
Jeff
Catch and Grease reply :
I'd say California, Somewhere in Mexico, or Georiga but I'm just guessing lol
deep reply :
On 8/3/2015 at 11:12 PM, WRB said:Northern Largemouth bass
7-9 scale rows above the lateral line.
59-68 scales in the lateral line.
15-16 scales rows below the lateral line.
Florida Largemouth bass
8-9 scale rows above the lateral line.
69-73 scales in the lateral line.
17-18 scales below the lateral line.
Field identification is fairly easy determining a NLMB from a FLMB, someday the IGFA will recognize the 2 bass are different and may establish records for both species. It isn't necessary for the FLMB to be a pure strain, if it's finer scaled, has 69 or more lateral line pore scales, it's a FLMB.
This would open the door to NLMB records when the catch is authenticated. We know the Kurita 22.3 lb bass is a FLMB world record.
Where will the next world record be caught? Ideally from Florida and fishery management is changing but guides still target big female bed fish using live bait and that isn't good for the trophy bass population.
Cuba and Mexico consider bass as a food source, allow gill nets and that needs to change.
Japan considers bass a invasive species, that needs to change.
South Africa also has netting problems and a wide range of predators.
California has tremendous fishing pressure and a lack of fishery management, there are a few trophy bass locations with a possible giant in the population, it could happen in a few years.
Texas is trying to produce a world record bass and has the fishery management to achieve this goal.
Louisiana is also into the trophy bass program, introducing FLMB in several fisheries.
Georgia is a possibility if you believe in the Perry bass.
Tom
Tom, what do you think is the biggest NLMB ever caught? The MA state record? What sizes do they reach in SoCal?
Thanks,
WRB reply :
Maybe the Alabama 16 lb 8 oz state record? Nope, it was a FLMB from a private lake.On 8/4/2015 at 1:01 AM, deep said:Tom, what do you think is the biggest NLMB ever caught? The MA state record? What sizes do they reach in SoCal?
Thanks,
California record NLMB before the FLMB were introduced and was 14 lbs 7 oz.
Tom
Catt reply :
Sorry Tom but Louisiana aint even in the hunt...yet!
Texas has the best management plus bass from Florida, California, & Cuba were brought in to improve the genetics.
Florida's management is second
Roger, I've heard stories of some big ole bass in obscure lakes in the Ocala area!
WRB reply :
You hear a lot of stories of 32"-33" bass in Florida, if they have the food for girth they would be over 25 lbs!On 8/4/2015 at 2:15 AM, Catt said:Sorry Tom but Louisiana aint even in the hunt...yet!
Texas has the best management plus bass from Florida, California, & Cuba were brought in to improve the genetics.
Florida's management is second
Roger, I've heard stories of some big ole bass in obscure lakes in the Ocala area!
It would be good for the sport if Florida produced the record, California bass are less than 30", like the Kurita bass, don't know about the Texas bass lengths?
Tom
Team9nine reply :
On 8/4/2015 at 1:01 AM, deep said:Tom, what do you think is the biggest NLMB ever caught? The MA state record? What sizes do they reach in SoCal?
Thanks,
On 8/4/2015 at 2:11 AM, WRB said:Maybe the Alabama 16 lb 8 oz state record? Nope, it was a FLMB from a private lake.
California record NLMB before the FLMB were introduced and was 14 lbs 7 oz.
Tom
I'd bet it's the Mass. fish. An outside guess would be a couple Virginia fish of the same size, though FL genes are in play to some degree in that state. As Tom said, the Alabama 16-pound, 8-ounce record was a Florida-strain fish raised in a carefully-managed private lake in Shelby County in 1987. Oklahoma state record also had FL genes. If you draw a line across the country using the 37th parallel as the divider, only three states north of that line have a state record bass over 14 pounds, Virginia, Indiana and Mass. IN and MA were northern strains. That accounts for 35 of the 50 states. Most every state south of that line has a larger state record (>14 pounds) and many, if not most, were FL strains. Tennessee record stood for 60 years until this spring when a FL strain finally broke that record.
As for where next - Japan...
-T9
Mainebass1984 reply :
I think it would be tough for California to break the record. It seems a lot has changed from when it was routinely producing teeners and fish over 20. Those fish were 1st and 2nd generation Florida strain that fed heavily on rainbow trout that were heavily stocked weekly. The water bodies were mostly full if not full then as well. The current situation in California is much different. Drought has persisted, drawing most bodies of water well below even being half full. Rainbow Trout are not heavily stocked anymore. Pure Florida strain genetics has been diluted by the northern strain that had been there before Florida strains were stocked. Striped bass have also been introduced into a number of famous fisheries competing with largemouth. I would like for the record to be broken from the US. I think it could but I see it as being doubtful. Texas Share a lunker program gives Texas a great shot at producing world class fish. I think the next world record will not come from the US.
blckshirt98 reply :
I remember this article last year and wondering what everyone's opinions are on "engineering" a world record bass -
http://www.bassmaster.com/tips/building-world-record-bass
I think right now California has the best shot because they probably have a few world record bass swimming in their reservoirs, there's a lot of people going after them, and with the drought there are low lake levels across the state and therefore fewer places those fish can hide. Florida and Texas probably have some world record bass, but places like Okeechobee, Sam Rayburn and Toledo Bend are freaking huge, and those bass might never come within 100 yards of a lure in their lifetime.
On a sad note, Lake Mission Viejo was a private lake in SoCal that a few locals thought had a world record bass swimming around in it. Earlier this year a golden algae bloom killed off almost all the fish in the lake.
rboat reply :
I believe it will be from small private waters in Georgia or Florida. A drainage canal or maybe a golf course pond. I have seen very large bass in these areas, but they are posted no fishing.
spencer12 reply :
On 8/3/2015 at 12:24 PM, WRB said:Just curious, how do you know the #4, 17.9 was a northern strain, was it examined? Did it have fewer than 68 lateral line pore scales for example? Just because a bass is out of it's native range doesn't mean a transplant didn't happen.
Tom
I believe basswhippa qouted me and wrote in my qoute box I didn't say that.
spencer12 reply :
This is what I could find for Fla.
1.) 20-lb 2-oz; 31 in L; 27 in G; Pasco Co; Big Fish Lake; 5-19-1923 by Frederick “Fritz” Friebel (current “non-certified” FL Record).
2.) 19-lb 11-oz; 29 in L; 23.25 in G; Indian River Co; Farm 13/Stick Marsh (St. Johns River Basin); 7-5-1994 by Doug Thompson (catch and release).
3.) 19-lb 4-oz; Taylor Creek Reservoir (St. Johns River Basin); 6-30-1974 by Phil Jay.
4.) 19-lb; Pinellas Co; Lake Tarpon; 6-26-1961 by W.A. Riley Witt (former “non-certified” FL Record).
5.) 18-lb 15-oz; Pinellas Co; Lake Tarpon, 1961 by unknown angler.
6.) 18-lb 13-oz; 29.5 in L; 26.5 in G; Clay Co; St. Johns River; 4-12-1987 by Buddy Wright.
7.) 18-lb 8-oz; Polk Co; Orange Grove Lake; Jan 2008 by Jeffrey Smith (catch and release).
7.) 18-lb 8-oz; Alachua Co; Newnan’s Lake; pre-1986 by Wayne Jacobs.
7.) 18-lb 8-oz; Leon Co; Lake Jackson; Mar 1967 by unknown angler.
8.) 18-lb 5-oz; Madison Co; 3-25-1968 by Bobbie Haskell.
9.) 18-lb 4-oz; St. Johns River; 12-16-1948 by J.W. Smith.
10.) 18-lb 2-oz; Clay Co; Lake Brooklyn; 3-12-1966 by Hugh Paul.
10.) 18-lb 2-oz; Taylor Creek Reservoir (St. Johns River Basin); 6-25-1974 by Phil Jay.
11.) 18-lb 1-oz; Polk Co; Orange Grove Lake; since 2000? by Jeffrey Smith (catch and release).
11.) 18-lb 1-oz; Indian River Co; Farm 13/Stick Marsh (St. Johns River Basin); 4-4-1994 by Robert Bloom (catch and release).
11.) 18-lb 1-oz; Indian River Co; Lake Blue Cypress (St. Johns River Basin); pre-1975 by unknown angler.
12.) 18-lb; Polk Co; Orange Grove Lake; since 2000? by Steve Smith (catch and release).
12.) 18-lb; Polk Co; Lake Marion; pre-1992 by unknown angler.
12.) 18-lb; 30 in L; 25 in G; Franklin Co; Tucker Lake; 1964 by L. L. Petty.
12.) 18-lb; Lake George (St. Johns River); 5-3-1958 by Marlin Coston.
12.) 18-lb; Putnam Co; Ashley Lake; 3-25-1951 by Carl Swisher.
12.) 18-lb; Citrus Co; Homosassa River; pre-1992 by unknown angler.
12.) 18-lb; Withlacoochee River; pre-1992 by unknown angler.
13.) 17-lb 15-oz; Mar 1988 by Donald Brunson.
14.) 17-lb 12-oz; Osceola Co; West Lake Tohopekaliga; 7-11-1986 by John Faircloth.
15.) 17-lb 9-oz; Lake George (St. Johns River); pre-1974 by Babette Morgan.
16.) 17-lb 8-oz; 28 in L; 25 in G; Orange Co; Lake Rose; 1985 by Mike Paule.
16.) 17-lb 8-oz; 28 in L; 25 in G; Okaloosa Co; Hurricane Lake; 3-19-1983 by Robert Earl Dunsford.
16.) 17-lb 8-oz; Lake George (St. Johns River); pre-1974 by Justin Morgan.
17.) 17-lb 7-oz; Lake Co; “small sand mine pond”; pre-1998 by Bing McClellan.
18.) 17-lb 6-oz; Polk Co; Lake Winterset; since 2000? by Jeffrey Smith (catch and release).
19.) 17-lb 4-oz; Polk Co; Lake Summit; since 2000? by Jeffrey Smith (catch and release).
19.) 17-lb 4-oz; 25 in L?; Orange Co; Raccoon Lake; 3-3-1992 by Linda Richardson.
19.) 17-lb 4-oz; Alachua Co; Orange Lake; pre-1990 by unknown angler.
19.) 17-lb 4-oz; Walton Co; King (or Kings) Lake; 1987 by unknown angler.
19.) 17-lb 4-oz; 30 in L; 22.5 in G; Polk Co; unnamed lake; 7-6-1986 by Billy O’Berry (current “certified” FL Record).
19.) 17-lb 4-oz; 29.7 in L; 1973 by Doug Hannon.
19.) 17-lb 4-oz; 32 in L; Lake Okeechobee; Feb 1971 by J.J. Shaw.
20.) 17-lb 3-oz; near Winter Haven; since 2000? by Jeffrey Smith (catch and release).
20.) 17-lb 3-oz; Marion Co; Lake Weir; 1960’s or 1970’s by unknown angler.
21.) 17-lb 2-oz; 27 in L; Lake Ocklawaha (“Rodman Reservoir”, Ocklawaha River Basin); 3-11-2000 by E.C. “Doodle Bug” Dressler.
21.) 17-lb 2-oz; “Lake Record in the Holmes Creek area”; pre-1989 by Randolph Field.
21.) 17-lb 2-oz; pre-1983 by Carl Wagner.
22.) 17-lb 1-oz; near Winter Haven; since 2000? by Jeffrey Smith (catch and release).
23.) 17-lb; Bay Co; Felix Lake (Tydall AFB); pre-2009 by unknown angler.
23.) 17-lb; Putnam Co; Crescent Lake (St. Johns River Basin); 1980’s by unknown angler.
23.) 17-lb; 32 in L; Lake Co; Lake Schimmerhorn (Ocala NF); pre-1984 by unknown angler.
23.) 17-lb; 32 in L; Marion Co; Half Moon Lake (Ocala NF); pre-1984 by unknown angler.
23.) 17-lb; Marion Co; Lake Bryant (Ocala NF); pre-1975 by unknown angler.
spencer12 reply :
I believe a Fl. angler found those records from his research so again the accuracy of it is not 100%
RoLo reply :
On 8/4/2015 at 2:15 AM, Catt said:Roger, I've heard stories of some big ole bass in obscure lakes in the Ocala area!
Big Bait Fishing reply :
right here in northern San Diego , Ca . !!!! 
bigbill reply :
Think about this?
I see freshwater otters at twilight before daybreak. Think about this family of otters eating the next world record?
How about some little kid with his bat man zebco outfit at some unknown body of water catching the next world record. This one I hope for.
Basswhippa reply :
Several Tennessee River lakes have been stocked with Floridas. I'm not going to say which one, but a gill netter has been quoted as catching and releasing 3 in the 20 pound class. This was before everyone had cameras with them all the time, and a clue to which lake, although it still could be several before you guess. These were the pure newly stocked Floridas, and keep in mind, a well educated bass can suspend in parts of the channel and gobble down 2 pound gizzard shad, if it were to so choose.
This story was told by a legit commercial fisherman. I really don't believe they were 20 pounders, as he stated "20 pound class", but I do believe they were in the 18 pound range. A few years back one between 17 aND 18 was shocked up in TN. Just throwing Chick and the new stocking program at Nickajack into the world record mix. TN River lakes have documented smallmouths up to 10.5 pounds. I'd doubt a WR is possible, but I'd bet 18 pound class fish will be taken in the next decade or two, given the biomass of shad.
WRB reply :
Back in the late 60's to early 70's I was traveling to the Olando and Daytona beach area working the space program at Cape Canaveral. Every hotel lobby had guide pictures/ brochures of bass from the Ocala Forest.
I booked a few trips back then, the guides were all shiners anglers and that wasn't my thing, so I brought my DeLong Otay special 12" plastic worms and caught a few big bass. The Florida bass were new to me however my experience at Lower Otayand other San Deigo lakes proved interesting to the guides who hadn't seen split shot big worms before.
Tom
RoLo reply :
In no uncertain terms, the state of Florida has done a shabby job of documenting world-class largemouth bass in the past.
One could argue that attention to freshwater bass has been hijacked by Florida being the most popular retirement state.
In addition, Florida is littered with legendary saltwater fishing destinations such as Mosquito Lagoon, Sailfish Alley,
Islamorado, Marathon, Key West and Destin, where the big bucks are garnered. Sad but true, Florida's historic records
for freshwater bass have been more astutely maintained by out-of-state organizations like the IGFA, Field and Stream,
Int'l Spin Fishing Association and others. Below is a list of "certified" bass taken in Florida that were not recognized
by the state, in many cases simply because the fish wasn't visited and identified by a state biologist,
or because a second witness wasn't present at the weigh-in.
The list below expires on year 2011 and only includes world-class bass 17.5 pounds and up.
20-lb 2-oz Big Fish Lake - May 1923 - Fritz Friebel (fully documented, but not Florida certified)
19-lb 15-oz Keystone Lake - 1927 - R. E. Lucas
19-lb 11-oz (29" L x 23.25" G) - Stick Marsh - Jul 1994 - Doug Thompson
19-lb 8-oz (29” L 23” G) – Stick Marsh – May 1994 – Ed Johnson
19-lb 4-oz Taylor Creek Reservoir – Jun 1974 – Phil Jay
19-lb 0-oz (31”L) – Lake Tarpon – Jun 1961 – Riley Witt (former Florida state record later rescinded)
18-lb 13-oz (29.5”L x 26.5”G) St Johns River - Apr 1987 - Buddy Wright (fully documented & certified)
18-lb 8-oz Orange Grove Lake – Jan 2008 – Jeffrey Smith
18-lb 4-oz St. Johns River – Dec 1948 - J.W. Smith
18-lb 2-oz Taylor Creek Reservoir - Jun 1974 – Phil Jay
18-lb 2-oz Lake Brooklyn – Mar 1966 – Hugh Paul
18-lb 1-oz Stick Marsh – Apr 1994 – Robert Bloom
18-lb 0-oz Orange Grove Lake – Steve Smith (IGFA documented)
18-lb 0-oz (30”L) – Tucker Lake – 1964 – L.L. Petty
18-lb 0-oz Lake George (St Johns River) – May 1958 – Marlin Coston
18-lb 0-oz Ashley Lake – Mar 1951 – Carl Swisher
17-lb 15-oz Undisclosed waters – Mar 1988 – Donald Brunson
17-lb 12-oz West Lake Tohopekaliga (West Toho) – Jul 1986 – John Faircloth
17-lb 9-oz Lake George (St. Johns River) – Babette Morgan
17-lb 8-oz (28”Lx25”G) Lake Rose – 1985 – Mike Paule
17-lb 8-oz (28”Lx25”G) Hurricane Lake – Mar 1983 – Robert Earl
17-lb 8-oz Lake George (St. Johns River) – Justin Morgan
On a high note, in 2012 the Florida Wildlife Commission (FWC) launched a new and comprehensive
'TrophyCatch' program. The program is subdivided into 3 classes: "Lunker" (8 lb threshold),
"Trophy" (10 lb threshold) and "Hall of Fame" (13 lb threshold). Each division dispenses a monetary reward,
but needless to say, refusing the reward is a donation to Florida's fish & wildlife management.
Roger
WRB reply :
Roger, Florida deserves the record, it's the home of the species. Wherever it's caught it's still a Florida largemouth bass.
Tom
chelboed reply :
Not reading the whole thread...but have we talked about Mac Weakley and the 25# foul hooked bass from lake Dixon that finally died?
Dickerson caught and released the same fish in 2003, when it officially weighed 21.7 pounds.
At the time of its demise, city rangers say the renowned fish was a mere 19 pounds, a far cry from the hefty 25.1 pounds it was said to have weighed when Weakley caught, photographed and released it two years ago.
Positively identified by the telltale black spot located above its gill-line, the fish had been dead about a day when it was found.
Dogmatic reply :
Rumor has it that Kurita, has seen the new record, and let's face it, you need to see those 20 pounders caught before you see the record broken. So I say Japan, maybe Cali, and Texas is the future.
Red_Ranger04 reply :
I would say if it's in the U.S. it would be Cali, Texas, or Florida.
DogBone_384 reply :
I CAN tell you that it WON'T come from any of the waters I fish.... 
Derekbass02 reply :
On 8/4/2015 at 9:03 PM, DogBone_384 said:I CAN tell you that it WON'T come from any of the waters I fish....
X2
Dwight Hottle reply :
On 8/4/2015 at 9:37 AM, RoLo said:In no uncertain terms, the state of Florida has done a shabby job of documenting world-class largemouth bass in the past.
One could argue that attention to freshwater bass has been hijacked by Florida being the most popular retirement state.
In addition, Florida is littered with legendary saltwater fishing destinations such as Mosquito Lagoon, Sailfish Alley,
Islamorado, Marathon, Key West and Destin, where the big bucks are garnered. Sad but true, Florida's historic records
for freshwater bass have been more astutely maintained by out-of-state organizations like the IGFA, Field and Stream,
Int'l Spin Fishing Association and others. Below is a list of "certified" bass taken in Florida that were not recognized
by the state, in many cases simply because the fish wasn't visited and identified by a state biologist,
or because a second witness wasn't present at the weigh-in.
The list below expires on year 2011 and only includes world-class bass 17.5 pounds and up.
20-lb 2-oz Big Fish Lake - May 1923 - Fritz Friebel (fully documented, but not Florida certified)
19-lb 15-oz Keystone Lake - 1927 - R. E. Lucas
19-lb 11-oz (29" L x 23.25" G) - Stick Marsh - Jul 1994 - Doug Thompson
19-lb 8-oz (29” L 23” G) – Stick Marsh – May 1994 – Ed Johnson
19-lb 4-oz Taylor Creek Reservoir – Jun 1974 – Phil Jay
19-lb 0-oz (31”L) – Lake Tarpon – Jun 1961 – Riley Witt (former Florida state record later rescinded)
18-lb 13-oz (29.5”L x 26.5”G) St Johns River - Apr 1987 - Buddy Wright (fully documented & certified)
18-lb 8-oz Orange Grove Lake – Jan 2008 – Jeffrey Smith
18-lb 4-oz St. Johns River – Dec 1948 - J.W. Smith
18-lb 2-oz Taylor Creek Reservoir - Jun 1974 – Phil Jay
18-lb 2-oz Lake Brooklyn – Mar 1966 – Hugh Paul
18-lb 1-oz Stick Marsh – Apr 1994 – Robert Bloom
18-lb 0-oz Orange Grove Lake – Steve Smith (IGFA documented)
18-lb 0-oz (30”L) – Tucker Lake – 1964 – L.L. Petty
18-lb 0-oz Lake George (St Johns River) – May 1958 – Marlin Coston
18-lb 0-oz Ashley Lake – Mar 1951 – Carl Swisher
17-lb 15-oz Undisclosed waters – Mar 1988 – Donald Brunson
17-lb 12-oz West Lake Tohopekaliga (West Toho) – Jul 1986 – John Faircloth
17-lb 9-oz Lake George (St. Johns River) – Babette Morgan
17-lb 8-oz (28”Lx25”G) Lake Rose – 1985 – Mike Paule
17-lb 8-oz (28”Lx25”G) Hurricane Lake – Mar 1983 – Robert Earl
17-lb 8-oz Lake George (St. Johns River) – Justin Morgan
On a high note, in 2012 the Florida Wildlife Commission (FWC) launched a new and comprehensive
'TrophyCatch' program. The program is subdivided into 3 classes: "Lunker" (8 lb threshold),
"Trophy" (10 lb threshold) and "Hall of Fame" (13 lb threshold). Each division dispenses a monetary reward,
but needless to say, refusing the reward is a donation to Florida's fish & wildlife management.
Roger
Looks like 1994 might have been the peak for Stick Marsh.
Canyon explorer reply :
The next record bass may come from Cuba. Florida strain with much less pressure.
WRB reply :
In Cuba fish are food and they don't bother with rod & reel, they use gill nets!On 8/5/2015 at 3:05 AM, Canyon explorer said:The next record bass may come from Cuba. Florida strain with much less pressure.
Tom
BassinLou reply :
On 8/5/2015 at 3:22 AM, WRB said:In Cuba fish are food and they don't bother with rod & reel, they use gill nets!
Tom
I agree with this. Cuba may have/or had a great LMB fishery, but those fish are not caught and released, that's for sure.
Big Bait Fishing reply :
On 8/4/2015 at 11:00 AM, chelboed said:Not reading the whole thread...but have we talked about Mac Weakley and the 25# foul hooked bass from lake Dixon that finally died?
Dickerson caught and released the same fish in 2003, when it officially weighed 21.7 pounds.
At the time of its demise, city rangers say the renowned fish was a mere 19 pounds, a far cry from the hefty 25.1 pounds it was said to have weighed when Weakley caught, photographed and released it two years ago.
Positively identified by the telltale black spot located above its gill-line, the fish had been dead about a day when it was found.
you have to remember that '' Dottie was obviously sick before she died ,and she was dead longer than a day , she turned gray , that doesn't happen in a day ... that fish did weigh 25 lbs. , that's a fact ...
MN_Bassin reply :
Just throwing it out there, what if the world record doesn't get broke? All you guys are talking about how Florida's waters are too hot and shallow, California's waters aren't managed correctly and are heavily pressured, Mexico/Cuba eat their bass and don't manage the waters, and Japan considers bass a nuisance. Considering all those conditions, my vote would have to be on private waters, like the link someone posted earlier regarding the man in Texas. (Sorry, I forgot who posted it.)
tholmes reply :
I predict the next world record largemouth bass will weigh more that 22.3 lbs.
Tom
chelboed reply :
I think Tom is on to something
RoLo reply :
On 8/5/2015 at 1:12 AM, Dwight Hottle said:Looks like 1994 might have been the peak for Stick Marsh.
That's correct Dwight, back in the day when Hugh Crumpler ruled the roost.
In 2006, when I was a newbie on the forum, I inadvertently made that remark.
But a then-active guide in Farm-13, took exception to my comment 
Roger
RoLo reply :
Removing bass from the waters of Cuba probably does more good than harm (think Japan).
IMO, it's year-round hot water and fish with short lifespans that excludes Cuba from setting the next record.
Roger
Drew03cmc reply :
The current record isn't Perry, the Kurita fish was heavier. 22.25 <22.311. It is already a Biwa Bass. To acknowledge the Perry bass is foolish.
Dwight Hottle reply :
On 8/5/2015 at 5:16 AM, RoLo said:That's correct Dwight, back in the day when Hugh Crumpler ruled the roost.
In 2006, when I was a newbie on the forum, I inadvertently made that remark.
But a then-active guide in Farm-13, took exception to my comment
Roger
Roger as I remember Hugh's biggest fish from Stickmarsh was 16lbs & change.
Raul reply :
On 8/5/2015 at 3:50 AM, MN_Bassin said:Just throwing it out there, what if the world record doesn't get broke? All you guys are talking about how Florida's waters are too hot and shallow, California's waters aren't managed correctly and are heavily pressured, Mexico/Cuba eat their bass and don't manage the waters, and Japan considers bass a nuisance. Considering all those conditions, my vote would have to be on private waters, like the link someone posted earlier regarding the man in Texas. (Sorry, I forgot who posted it.)
There are GATORS in Florida waters.
RoLo reply :
On 8/5/2015 at 6:37 AM, Dwight Hottle said:Roger as I remember Hugh's biggest fish from Stickmarsh was 16lbs & change.
What I do know Dwight is that Mr. Crumpler was the first guide on the Stick Marsh/Farm-13,
who began guiding in 1991. I believe he's still active today, but going back about 5 years
Hugh's clients laid claim to "460" bass of 10 lb or more. To the best of my knowledge,
Hugh himself boated a 32" bass on July 29, 1992 at 12:30 on a bright sunny day.
At the time it was touted as the lake record, and though I'm not certain of its weight,
it was taken on a soft jerkbait, not a fluke but a local knock-off.
On 8/5/2015 at 7:48 AM, Raul said:There are GATORS in Florida waters.
Raul, that's why I never jump into a Floridian lake without a sharp knife laid across my lips 
Roger
Master Bait'r reply :
I haven't the slightest idea but I hope it's someplace virtually unknown in an area that's under appreciated and caught by a nobody.
I feel like it surely helps to have a solid management program in place to grow a record if it's a pressured spot but it is certainly possible in a heavily grown remote or private lake where the conditions are right, forage is heavy and pressure is low.
It's fun to think about for sure.
WRB reply :
Dottie wasn't officially weighed at 25.1 lbs, she does hold 3 spots on the top 25 list; 21.7 lb by Dickerson, 20.8 lbs by Long and 19.4 lbs by Weakley.On 8/5/2015 at 3:38 AM, pgersumky said:you have to remember that '' Dottie was obviously sick before she died ,and she was dead longer than a day , she turned gray , that doesn't happen in a day ... that fish did weigh 25 lbs. , that's a fact ...
Tom
greentrout reply :
Anthony Denny topped the Magnolia State recordbooks on New Year’s Eve back in 1992 with this 18.15-pound behemoth taken from Natchez State Park Lake. No doubt his catch was more than enough reason for a New Year’s celebration of epic proportions. Interestingly, according to a story in The Clarion-Ledger newspaper the following day, Denny hooked his record in just two feet of water in a shallow cove far from deeper water. It was also reported that New Year’s Eve was unseasonably warm, which may have helped lure the giant bass into skinny water. State biologists noted that the fish was not laden with eggs. Had it been caught several months later, just prior to the spawn, it might well have broken the 20-pound barrier.
Read more: http://www.in-fisherman.com/bass/largemouth-bass/united-states-record-largemouth-bass/#ixzz3huExRppg
Where you least expect it.
The Old School Basser....
BucketMouth15 reply :
My goal is to go bassin in Florida for a weekend or something. A 10 pounder is just pretty nice one down there. Where I fish a 10 pounder would be a d**n monster!
Basswhippa reply :
OK, if I had to bet my favorite rod and reel, I would bet on Biwa. For one, I'm guessing they don't have northern largemouth genetics corrupting the size possibility. Two, it has produced the world record. Three, there are eyewitness accounts to 25 pounders swimming in there.
That is all.
Catt reply :
I know a few guys from California to Florida whose names I am not at liberty to mention!
There is documented proof of 20 lb plus bass out there but y'all aint gonna read about it...not yet anyway!
WRB reply :
2016 is the next pre spawn/spawn cycle. Giant bass live about 15 years and are about 12-13 years old at their peak weight. Every giant bass witnessed at 20+ lbs before 2010 isn't around anymore, only the giants witness the past year may show up in 2016. Very rare bass and extremely difficult to catch.
Wait and see.
Jaderose reply :
My opinion is the the next World Record bass will be bigger than the current world record bass.
Catt reply :
On 8/5/2015 at 10:30 PM, WRB said:2016 is the next pre spawn/spawn cycle. Giant bass live about 15 years and are about 12-13 years old at their peak weight. Every giant bass witnessed at 20+ lbs before 2010 isn't around anymore, only the giants witness the past year may show up in 2016. Very rare bass and extremely difficult to catch.
Wait and see.
I'm talking within the last year to this month 
Raul reply :
On 8/5/2015 at 12:32 PM, BucketMouth15 said:My goal is to go bassin in Florida for a weekend or something. A 10 pounder is just pretty nice one down there. Where I fish a 10 pounder would be a d**n monster!
I live in beeg feesh country and the last place I would go in search for a big un would be Florida, I´m not going to say Mexico cuz I´m already there, but there´s one place in the US where you could hook that 10 lber you are looking for: Lake Falcon during February & March ( of course half the lake is in Mexico ), another lake is Lake Amistad.
Amistad bass:
IMG_20120225_150516(1).jpg
bigbill reply :
I already pulled one 10lber out of the ct. waters. I lost three other larger bass. I seen bigger bass up close swim by me.
Trust me if I catch and see bigger bass in our northern waters than every state has bigger bass there just not being caught.
Be very, very, very stealthy.
I'm out in the early am in the dark. I'm so quiet I don't know I'm there. I close my bail on my spinning reel by hand. No noise. The baitcaster click when the spool locks in. That click could transfer down the line into the water. These big bass are spooky and well aware of noises in there surroundings. There tuned in and wired for sound.
There against the shoreline feeding on freshwater eels, crawfish, shad, frogs, bluegills etc. Be very stealthy. Handle your tackle stealthy, quiet as a church mouse. That's the key to shore fishing for big bass.
Get out there if u have the dedication, motivation and stay focused plus the time to fish 24/7. It takes all your talents and skills to fool these smart big bass. Walk softly your vibrations go into the water.
I had an encounter with a bear near my car 100yds away in the dark. He was rustling the brush. Im on a low bridge fishing. I stayed fishing but kept an eye on him. Finally daylite came. Be careful night fishing. I hear weird things in the night.
RoLo reply :
On 8/5/2015 at 12:32 PM, BucketMouth15 said:My goal is to go bassin in Florida for a weekend or something. A 10 pounder is just pretty nice one down there. Where I fish a 10 pounder would be a d**n monster!
If your goal is a 10-pound bass, your sights are definitely trained on the correct state.
The above photo was published by CubaTravelUSA, an infomercial claiming that Cuba yielded a 22-lb bass.
No weights were provided for the bass in the photo, which were left to the imagination of the viewer.
The bass are obviously dead, and to me at least they look like they've been plucked from a freezer locker.
Notice the body dents and closed tails, fish that could've been taken over a long period of time.
This bass can be used as a benchmark for guesstimating the weights of the fish from Cuba.
This is a 14-lb 1-oz bass that was caught-&-released in Rodman Reservoir, Florida in 2013.
The excerpt below is taken from Larry Larsen’s Book: “Trophy Bass – An Angler’s Guide”
Sorry for the obtrusive print size:
Roger
Catt reply :
Lost to History: H. W. Ross
His bass was caught near Altoona, Florida; it weighed 23 1/8 lbs, length 37 1/2", girth 29 1/2"
http://bassfishingarchives.com/tag/world-record-bass
RoLo reply :
On 8/6/2015 at 10:57 AM, Catt said:Lost to History: H. W. Ross
His bass was caught near Altoona, Florida; it weighed 23 1/8 lbs, length 37 1/2", girth 29 1/2"
http://bassfishingarchives.com/tag/world-record-bass
Hmph..a new one on me (wild stuff)
Roger
Turtle135 reply :
my money would be on a California Largemouth with a regular diet of trout
Big Bait Fishing reply :
On 8/5/2015 at 10:56 AM, WRB said:Dottie wasn't officially weighed at 25.1 lbs, she does hold 3 spots on the top 25 list; 21.7 lb by Dickerson, 20.8 lbs by Long and 19.4 lbs by Weakley.
Tom
they checked that scale they used and it was good , that fish would have been a record even though it was hooked outside the mouth , as long as it wasn't intentional (foul hooked ) i fish Dixon lake regularly , it gets hammered !! there are big fish in there , i will catch one soon ...
spencer12 reply :
Does anyone know how old these california lakes are?
1.) Lake Castaic
2.) Lake Dixon
3.) Lake Casitas
4.) Lake Miramar
Also how large are each?
WRB reply :
On 8/6/2015 at 2:03 PM, spencer12 said:Does anyone know how old these california lakes are?
1.) Lake Castaic 1973, 2,232 surface acres, 22.06 Crupi* 21.75 Arujo
2.) Lake Dixon. 1971, 70 surface acres, 25.1 Weakley*, 21.69 Dickerson
3.) Lake Casitas. 1957, 1,100 surface acres, 21.3 Easley
4.) Lake Miramar, 1959, 162 surface acres, 21.0 Zimmerlee*
* unofficial weight
Also how large are each?
chadlass reply :
Although climate and geographical location are bound to be major factors, and that there are multiple ares that fit the bill for a world-record bass in both departments, I think we should instead put more brainpower and thought into what type of lake or water body has the best chance of breeding a 25 lb beast. We shouldn't stop at "the lake will be small and private", or "It will be a massive body of water". What type of structure will be prominently featured in this lake? What will the topography be like on the lakes bottom? Do you think it will be a lake where it is mostly 25 feet deep, or a South Florida style with depths rarely plunging below 10? What other species will be found is this lake? Will it be a California style trout stocked ecosystem, or will other baitfish such as gizzard shad or bluegill be the main forage for large bass? Once we can decide on a consensus for these answers (which there very well may be none), we can then turn to geography and other factors such as fishing pressure to slim down the list of fisheries that fit the profile we created by answering these questions.
I personally think the lake will be no more than 100 acres in size, but more than 10. I think the lake will contain a large amount of deep water, to protect bass from the heat we have mentioned to be so brutal in the top locations for a wr bass, allowing the fish to have an extended life span. I believe it will be a trout stocked lake, such as the ones out in Cali. The one exception to this is the fish wil have to be a pure bred Florida Strain, which is becoming rarer and rarer each year, but I think still exist in some places. The lake cannot be to large, becuase we have to remember that growing the fish is only half the battle, and that tricking the bass into biting, and bringing it to the boat is still an issue.
Grizzn N Bassin reply :
On 8/3/2015 at 7:00 PM, clh121787 said:No one mentioned cuba. I read of a local spearing a 30# lmb. Maybe Cubans never let the truth get in the way of a good fish story.
I was thinking the same thing.
bigbill reply :
My goal is to have fun now. But on my bucket list is to break the state record of 12lbs.14oz. I been really close. It's time.
WRB reply :
Dottie was foul hooked behind the head, not close to it's mouth, with a white jig. Having caught a lot of giant bass on jigs and never foul hook any bass with a jig, it's hard to believe the jig didn't have a trap* hook.On 8/6/2015 at 12:16 PM, pgersumky said:they checked that scale they used and it was good , that fish would have been a record even though it was hooked outside the mouth , as long as it wasn't intentional (foul hooked ) i fish Dixon lake regularly , it gets hammered !! there are big fish in there , i will catch one soon ...
I never questioned the weight, the problem; Dottie was unintentionally snagged and that is illegal in California.
Good luck, there's several big bass lakes in SD county and have fished them all.
Tom
*the IGFA recently defined the use of assist hooks, however when Dottie was snagged no trap or assist hooks were allowed. If you use a treble stinger hook, it's not allowed for IGFA records.
Big Bait Fishing reply :
On 8/7/2015 at 2:31 AM, WRB said:Dottie was foul hooked behind the head, not close to it's mouth, with a white jig. Having caught a lot of giant bass on jigs and never foul hook any bass with a jig, it's hard to believe the jig didn't have a trap hook.
I never questioned the weight, the problem; Dottie was unintentionally snagged and that is illegal in California.
Good luck, there's several big bass lakes in SD county and have fished them all.
Tom
Unintentional foul hooking is not illegal, intentionally foul hooking is , trap hook on a jig ??? Come on , really ???
WRB reply :
California regulations, fresh water, article 1, 2.00C, doesn't mention what the intention is, it's states it is illegal to keep a fish hooked outside it's mouth.On 8/7/2015 at 2:43 AM, pgersumky said:Unintentional foul hooking is not illegal, intentionally foul hooking is , trap hook on a jig ??? Come on , really ???
Explain to me how a bass can be hooked behind and on top of it's head using a jig that has a hooked designed ride upright. If the line somehow pulled into the open gill cover, the jig could hook into tissue behind the gill plate. It's not uncommon for anglers to add a trap hook when bed fishing and explains how a bass could hooked behind the head.
Tom
Big Bait Fishing reply :
On 8/7/2015 at 3:01 AM, WRB said:California regulations, fresh water, article 1, 2.00C, doesn't what the intention is, it's illegal to keep a fish hooked outside it's mouth.
Explain to me how a bass can be hooked behind and on top of it's head using a jig that has a hooked designed ride upright. If the line somehow pulled into the open gill cover, the jig could hook into tissue behind the gill plate. It's not uncommon for anglers to add a trap hook when bed fishing and explains how a bass could hooked behind the head.
Tom
On 8/7/2015 at 3:01 AM, WRB said:California regulations, fresh water, article 1, 2.00C, doesn't what the intention is, it's illegal to keep a fish hooked outside it's mouth.
Explain to me how a bass can be hooked behind and on top of it's head using a jig that has a hooked designed ride upright. If the line somehow pulled into the open gill cover, the jig could hook into tissue behind the gill plate. It's not uncommon for anglers to add a trap hook when bed fishing and explains how a bass could hooked behind the head.
Tom
not to get into an arguement over it but there are times when a fish will shake a bait off and end up having it rehooked during a head shake , there were witnesses to his account of what happened plus video of the account .
chelboed reply :
On 8/6/2015 at 8:36 AM, RoLo said:If your goal is a 10-pound bass, your sights are definitely trained on the correct state.
The above photo was published by CubaTravelUSA, an infomercial claiming that Cuba yielded a 22-lb bass.
No weights were provided for the bass in the photo, which were left to the imagination of the viewer.
The bass are obviously dead, and to me at least they look like they've been plucked from a freezer locker.
Notice the body dents and closed tails, fish that could've been taken over a long period of time.
This bass can be used as a benchmark for guesstimating the weights of the fish from Cuba.
This is a 14-lb 1-oz bass that was caught-&-released in Rodman Reservoir, Florida in 2013.
The excerpt below is taken from Larry Larsen’s Book: “Trophy Bass – An Angler’s Guide”
Sorry for the obtrusive print size:
Roger
I'm getting pretty tired of seeing arms length pictures of bass held out to "monsterize" the appearance. This image makes it like like an 18# bass instead of 14#. It's not as bad as some though.
RoLo reply :
On 8/7/2015 at 11:27 AM, chelboed said:I'm getting pretty tired of seeing arms length pictures of bass held out to "monsterize" the appearance.
This image makes it like like an 18# bass instead of 14#. It's not as bad as some though.
The Florida bass was used only as a benchmark for estimating the weights of the Cuban bass.
In my opinion, the Florida bass isn't held outward anymore than the Cuban bass.
Furthermore, no matter how far out you hold a fish, your hand moves with the fish,
which keeps them on the same plane. If the angler was holding the bass out at arm's length,
his left hand would look like a boxing glove, but appears rather small for a big guy.
Roger
clh121787 reply :
On 8/7/2015 at 2:50 PM, RoLo said:The Florida bass was used only as a benchmark for estimating the weights of the Cuban bass.
In my opinion, the Florida bass isn't held outward anymore than the Cuban bass.
Furthermore, no matter how far out you hold a fish, your hand moves with the fish,
which keeps them on the same plane. If the angler was holding the bass out at arm's length,
his left hand would look like a boxing glove, but appears rather small for a big guy.
Roger
I caught this day before yesterday my friend who I was with was dissapointed when we viewed the pics because he said it looked like a 2 pound fish.On 8/7/2015 at 2:50 PM, RoLo said:The Florida bass was used only as a benchmark for estimating the weights of the Cuban bass.
In my opinion, the Florida bass isn't held outward anymore than the Cuban bass.
Furthermore, no matter how far out you hold a fish, your hand moves with the fish,
which keeps them on the same plane. If the angler was holding the bass out at arm's length,
his left hand would look like a boxing glove, but appears rather small for a big guy.
Roger
Slade House reply :
1. Lake Picachos
2. Lake Casitas
3. Lake Biwaa
4.Lake Comedero
WRB reply :
The last time I went out on a limb and predicted where the next world record bass could be caught was In-Fisherman magazine, Dec/Jan 1986, book #64, article; A Rare Chance for a World Record, lake Isabella, CA.
A few 19 lb class bass were caught there the following year, however no 20 lb class bass were officially recorded.
Following that article a contest sponsored by Bassin magazine offering $1,000,000 for a world record bass created a crazy time period for bass anglers. Lakes Isabella, Castaic, Casitas, San Vincente, Lower Otay and a few others were swarmed by would be giant bass anglers from every corner of the country, it was a circus. The million dollar bass hunt lasted about 10 years. Lesson learned.
Tom
WRB reply :
On 8/7/2015 at 3:42 AM, pgersumky said:not to get into an arguement over it but there are times when a fish will shake a bait off and end up having it rehooked during a head shake , there were witnesses to his account of what happened plus video of the account .
Not arguing with you just clarifying what happened and our states regulations. Add a link to the video mentioned, like to see that. I did see a video of the bass being weighed. Several witnesses came foreward to state the bass was foul hooked, the bass was immediately released. It's a shame Dottie wasn't documented officially on that day before being released, phenomenal bass that should have been the world record, if caught legally.
MIbassyaker reply :
Really interesting thread, although I have no ambition -- an no interest, really -- in catching a record of any kind. I almost always fish solo, I have no livewell, and I will not ever keep a trophy bass, so I'm unlikely to ever have a fish certified for any reason, much less a world (or state, or whatever) record.
But I am rooting for the rest of y'all.
joeblowwwww reply :
not to sound bias but I think it's gonna be California. WRB/Tom is right. I can see the biggest being caught then let go b4 verification. most bass fisherman in Ca are very conservative with catches and most will probably never get more than a quick pic b4 being put back in.
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