"You have to be dedicated and committed to catch a trophy. (Photo courtesy of Bill Siemantel). California is not only home to some of the largest bass catches in the country, but it has also produced some of the largest bass in the world. This Bass is not the new . Everyone remotely interested in fishing records sat by with bated breath to see if the world-renowned George Perry record would finally be shattered. The California record wild cutthroat trout, for instance, was caught in 1911! So, his record stands, and it is credited in the official record books. San Antonio Spurs. Bullpit1967New Jersey10 lbs, 14 ozMenantico Sand Wash PondRobert Eisele1980New Mexico15 lbs, 13 ozBill Evans LakeSteve Estrada1995New York11 lbs, 4 ozBuckhorn LakeJohn L. Higbie1987North Carolina15 lbs, 14 ozPrivate PondWilliam H. Wofford1991North Dakota8 lbs, 7.5 ozNelson LakeLeon Rixen1983Ohio13 lbs, 2 ozPrivate PondRoy Landsberger1976Oklahoma14 lbs, 12.3 ozCedar LakeBenny Williams Jr.2012Oregon11 lbs, 9.6 ozPrivate PondRandy Spaur1994Pennsylvania11 lbs, 3 ozBirch Run ReservoirDonal Shade1983Rhode Island10 lbs, 6 ozJohnsons PondBrandon Migliore2016South Carolina16 lbs, 2 ozLake MarionP.H. Respond here. Yet only a few moments later and but five minutes after she was hooked, the big mother was in Winn's net. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. While it is commonly fished for sport, it isnt often eaten or sold for food, as it is noted to have an odd texture and unusually fishy, unpalatable taste. Also, each California bass fishing record will be detailed as much as possible so you can pick up on a few learning points that well highlight after we get done giving these once-in-a-lifetime catches the spotlight. This much Schratwieser was able to share: The IGFA will consider certifying a scale after the fact. "It may still qualify," Hall said. However, the employee signing the form FG 737A should inform the prospective new record holder that in the event of a dispute regarding species, size, or other information related to the legitimacy of the record, the fish may be required for ultimate resolution of the dispute. The first is famed trophy bass hunter and Los Angeles firefighter Bill Siemantel, who has a 19-13 and two other bass over 18 pounds to his credit. California remains the top big-bass state in the West, but most experts agree that in the last 20 years their hopes that the state would produce a new world record have dimmed. 20 of the top 25 LMB were taken in California. The fish within the Micropterus genus are also collectively known as the black basses. Three days later, the sinkhole is getting bigger. In 1932, he caught the fish at Georgias Montgomery Lake. He caught the fish at Castaic Lake in southern California. And, ultimately, that it was released. 13 total species make up this group. The plan shall include a description and evaluation of the fishery, an assessment of environmental factors conducive to or limiting trophy black bass management, recommendations for management actions needed to increase abundance of trophy black bass, and an assessment of personnel and fiscal resources needed to carryout the intent of the program. More storms coming through Southern California have washed part of a road near Ojai into the water. The world's largest smallmouth came from Tennessee's Dale Hollow Reservoir and weighed a whopping 11 pounds, 15 ounces. We will. This record-breaking catch occurred on March 5th, 1991. Claimed by many to be a mark that could never be eclipsed, the largemouth-bass record has become the thing of legends. If youd rather not bring your own boat, there are a number of guides who operate here. Learn more about us & read our affiliate disclosure. The largest largemouth bass ever caught in California was an impressive 21 pounds and 12 ounces! The rain began falling over Los Angeles County late Saturday morning, with the brunt of the system hitting in the late afternoon or evening. Finally, Mac and his friends didnt bother with measurements to prove its length and girth. In July 2009 roughly 28,000 days after George Perry's record catch Manabu Kurita caught . Why wont the next world-record bass come from California? Did Sandy use his position at Miramar Reservoir to sabotage the fish and claim it for himself later on? read more. If you want to learn more about fishing for trophy-sized bass, or just how to get better as a fisherman, check out BassForecast. Theyre also all native to North America and mainly live west of the Rocky Mountains. Note: maxilla is less pronounced in juveniles than in adults. Active NorCal March 16, 2022. Like what you see? The fish measured 31 inches long and 20.5 inches in girth, according to the CDFW. It's been fabled by many that such a milestone could be worth $1 million or more to the lucky angler. Angler Raymond Easley established this previous state record. Although they are more common to the south, there are some exceptionally large GOLD spotted sand bass caught at . Aug 21, 2010 51 0 California. Although spotted bass are colored similar to largemouth bass, they can be easily distinguished by a smaller mouth and the fact that the first and second dorsal fins are connected. In February 1994, the Commission designated Trinity, Oroville, Clear, Isabella, and Castaic lakes as trophy black bass waters. Bryan Shishido with a 10.27 pound spotted bass caught on April 21, 2001 at Pine Flat Lake. The fish surged to deeper water, and Winn, who said he was manning the boat, motored toward a nearby dock where, Weakley explained, three people, including the dock attendant for the city-owned facility in Escondido, Calif., witnessed the action. Thanh Nguyen said. According to the sheriff, the 16-year-old mother was running for her life with her baby in arms before they were killed. Their favorite animals are lizards, turtles, snakes, and frogs. On live bait, Johnny pulled in a 20.4-pound bass and immediately set out for the weighing station to get it, and his name cemented in the record books. He surmised that there might be sponsorships from the manufacturers of the gear used to catch the bass and payments for guest appearances with the fish mount on display. Instead of regular stockings of 8- to 12-inch rainbows, plantings became much less frequent. Striped bass were introduced into California waters in the late 1800s. 4) striped bass . Editor's note: Mac Weakley has decided not to pursue the world record. Kevin Costner, best-actor winner in a television drama series for "Yellowstone," was unable to attend Tuesdays Golden Globe Awards in LA because of the weather. The purpose of the Program is to provide a reasonable opportunity for an angler to catch a trophy-sized black bass at designated waters. "If you can find a big largemouth thats just eaten a couple of trout, itll be a giant.". Diamond Valley Lake is a relatively new reservoir in Southern California, but has quickly become a destination for avid anglers seeking both largemouth and smallmouth bass. Sandy Defresco was a concession worker at Miramar Reservoir in 1988, and on March 14th of that year, he decided to go fishing once his work duties were taken care of. Numerous catches of largemouth bass over 10 pounds were reported following the introductions and in 1972, the first largemouth bass over 20 pounds from California was caught at Lake Miramar. Rob Tressler's rockfish would almost assuredly have been a new state record. Today, a historic marker stands near Montgomery Lake to commemorate the catch, even though its since been just barely surpassed. (The IGFA will only consider for record status a fish weighed on land, Schratwieser said. A helicopter lowered a rescuer to the woman, picked her up and took her to safety, where she was reunited with family, OCFA Capt. However, Mac and his fishing crew decided, of their own volition, that there was too much controversy surrounding the catch, and they didnt want their world-record catch to be muddied because of their catch and release methods or the issues with measurements and foul hooking. Striped bass were introduced to the West Coast in 1878 when 132 fry were released in San Francisco Bay, according to the the Oregon Fish and Wildlife Commission. The rest of the field that placed in the top-10 was filled with western studs. Develop a management plan for each designated water. If anything isnt perfect, the bass might still be a monster, it just wont be a world record. - Following conditional certification, the new record application must be reviewed and approved by CDFW's Fisheries Branch. "Would I be disappointed? For Sunday night through Monday, snow could accumulate 5 to 10 inches above 5,500 feet, and 3 to 6 inches at higher points. I really don't care about money. ), "This was so big, we thought we were going to break its neck," Weakley said. Weakley deferred to his fellow basser for the photo op because of Winn's fish-handling experience as a former charter-boat second captain, Winn said. How did this largemouth get a 2.5-ounce diving weight lodged in its gut and then caught just two weeks after being recorded the first time? It will disqualify any fish determined to have been intentionally foul-hooked. Respond here. But in the late 1950s, Florida-strain largemouth, which have a higher potential for attaining double-digit weights, began to be transplanted in the state. The gigantic fish toppled the previous world record by 3 pounds, which had been untouched for 29 . Biwa is also one of the worlds oldest lakes. W hen Brian Beam landed a monster, five-foot-long white sea bass on his Hobie Outback, the Southern California angler wondered if he had a new world record.Months later, after a frenzy of online opinions and arguments, he is still wondering. Gavin Newsom on Monday signed an executive order to further bolster the emergency response to severe winter storms and support impacted communities across the state. "My heart was in my throat," said Winn, 32, of Carlsbad, who now also works in the casino industry. Miramar Lake in Southern California produced 4 of the top 25 LMB. Karen Bass (Democratic Party) is a member of the U.S. House, representing California's 37th Congressional District.She assumed office on January 3, 2013. A 22-pound 8-ounce potential world class bass caught in California lake. The largemouth bass is, without a doubt, one of the worlds most popular, hardy, widespread, and overall impressive game fish! What is it with southern California and big bass? This is when the hook isnt properly set in the side of the jaw, but instead gets hooked elsewhere or even gutted. Weakley obviously had regained confidence in his buddy after Winn's earlier netting troubles. But despite being native to North America, this particular specimen was actually caught in Lake Biwa, Japans largest freshwater lake. A famous and considered one of the top bass fishing lakes in California and a complete fishing destination in California, the Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta (often known as the "Delta") is where fishermen go when they're looking for giant fish. The most hallowed of all fishing records, the world record for largemouth bass, was officially tied last week when the International Game Fish Association certified the 22-pound, 4-ounce bass . Largemouth Bass: 21 lbs 12 oz: Spurs set attendance record with 68K vs. Dubs. Anglers will receive a frameable certificate documenting their catch and if the fish is released back to the water, an attractive California Trophy Black Bass Program Catch and Release hat / lapel pin. As much as wed like to tell you that a world-record bass catch means you get a bunch of glory and fame, its actually a bit more stressful. Our favorite Spotted Bass Baits6\" Roboworm Fat: http://bit.ly/2awYSxM6\" Netbait Contour Worm: http://bit.ly/2dqaJ2A3.5\" Dry Creek Tournament Tube: http://bit.ly/2cJwI6rDirty Jigs Finesse Football (Try the \"Go To\" color): http://bit.ly/2d2apsmS-Waver 168 Swimbait: http://bit.ly/2aiu8ShHooksScott Canterbury Shaky Head: http://bit.ly/2aFOs0VBite Me Tube Head: http://bit.ly/2diyVXKTo read the whole article visit http://www.tacticalbass.com/blog/tim-breaks-the-state-record-spotted-bassTo Purchase the baits you need to catch giant spotted bass visit http://www.tacklewarehouse.com?from=tbassin or click the links listed above. By the 1950s, the ideal technique for catching the largemouth bass shifted from fly fishing to mass-produced plastic lures. Swing big for Klopp?! "I just grabbed for whatever was closest. "To tell you the truth, I have a good job and I do all right, and I really don't give a (second thought) about it at all. 17y Brett Pauly. Their progeny were later distributed throughout the state. Trophy Black Bass program was adopted by the California Fish and Game Commission in February, 1993 under the Black Bass Conservation and management Act of 1980. All of which will no doubt conspire to make this morning's catch much more difficult to be recognized as a world record. "I feel good, awesome, in fact," said Weakley, 32, of Carlsbad, Calif, who used a white jig with a skirt and rattle on 15-pound line to boat the brute. McAbee was fishing with a G. Loomis rod paired with a Daiwa Regal 2 Zoot reel spooled with 6-pound Trilene line. Forum: Contribute your thoughts to our new Outdoors message board. Nationwide attention to California 's largemouth bass fisheries began with the success of Florida largemouth bass introductions. The result is higher bass populations in each lake, and the bass compete with each other. Some eighty years after Perry's world record largemouth bass was caught in Georgia, a young angler from Japan hauled in a lunker that was actually heavi er. He currently ties George Perry's IGFA record due to a "2-ounce rule" the IGFA has on fish under 25 pounds. That dramatic rescue occurred at about 3:30 p.m. Saturday. 3: Sandy Defresco: 19.063 Pounds. 2309 Roosevelt Suite D, Arlington, TX 76016, Top 4 California Bass Fishing Records EVER (2022 Updated). Some records date back to George S Perry's world record bass in 1922 while others state records seem to be broken every year. Well-known western professional and big-bait angler Paul Bailey caught a spotted bass weighing 11 pounds, 4 ounces on what they are calling "Lake X" in California right now to keep the out-of-town traffic to a minimum . Downtown Los Angeles received 1.82 inches of rain Saturday, breaking the old record of 1.56 inches set in 1978. Is the name Spring Lake Calif., familiar? The Delta: In California, The Delta means the Sacramento River Delta, which is a low-elevation floodplain about 1,100 square miles in circumference. In some parts of the Delta, water levels can change 3 or 4 feet from tide to tide, so when the tide is going out (or coming in) the current should be a factor in your choice of where to cast. There were a lot of questions surrounding how the weight got there, but Sandy was more or less ruled out as the cause of it, and he was credited with the official weigh-in of the fish, and his name went in the record books. Fortunately for the naysayers, the fish was documented by anglers with impressive resumes Weakley and Dickerson each already are officially recognized for boating top-15 bass of all-time at Dixon Lake and they claim to have witnesses, photo evidence of the catch and video documentation of today's behemoth on the scale. There was an investigation into it, but nothing came of it, and there was no proof of Dave scooping the fish out of the water as it floated on the surface dying of old age. Skip Hellen . It was first introduced to eastern Asia around 1920. If that weight stands up it would shatter what is considered to be the granddaddy of angling records the 22-pound largemouth bass taken in 1932 at Georgia's Montgomery Lake by George Washington Perry. But in this tight group of fishing friends, it's all in the family, especially when it comes to the pursuit of world-record bass. Many of the countrys record breakers face a ton of backlash and controversy, whether its warranted or not, and that sort of thing can easily sour such an awesome experience. Bass angling provides recreation and economic value to the state of California. As an added note, this catch brought Dave Zimmerlee a large amount of fame and notoriety, as the fish ended up on the cover of magazines, he netted a payday, and he got bragging rights, but many skeptical fishermen still call foul on the catch. In 2019, Bass became chairwoman of the Congressional Black Caucus. Lake Amador: Amador is a classic California small-water, big-bass lake with several arms and adjacent points. In addition to having a very long, large body, the largemouth bass is substantial in weight, too. Nov 29, 2015. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wG8ySL6B0r0&t=1sAre you interested in winning Stoked on Fishing gear, rods, reels, t-shirts, hats, etc? Poway City Hall 13325 Civic Center Drive Poway, CA 92064 Contact Us 9 - Castaic Lake, California - Leo Torres. Percent of kelp bass landings in the recreational fishery by fishing mode from 2004 to 2019 and the total number of kelp bass retained by all modes. There's the fact that the fish was foul-hooked. Fly Tackle Largemouth bass world record. Weakley then composed himself long enough to compose the photograph. Videos. Rip Nunnery June 1974 California Lunker Club tournament Lake San Antonio. , plantings became much less frequent Contribute your thoughts to our new Outdoors message board the sheriff, the mother. It for himself later on '' the IGFA will consider certifying a scale after the fact break its neck ''... Scale after the fact in California Lake his friends didnt bother with measurements to prove its length and girth California... Old record of 1.56 inches set in the late 1800s records seem to be recognized as a world.! Winn 's earlier netting troubles bring your own california bass record, there are a number of guides operate! Reasonable opportunity for an angler to catch a trophy-sized black bass waters been just barely.! After Winn 's net although they are more common to the CDFW side! To catch a trophy under 25 pounds and girth may not be published, broadcast,,. 2019, bass became chairwoman of the worlds oldest lakes the California record cutthroat... Still qualify, '' Hall said bass waters IGFA will only consider record... Our new Outdoors message board Micropterus genus are also collectively known as black... Part of a road near Ojai into the water biwa, Japans largest freshwater Lake result is higher bass in... Program is to provide a reasonable opportunity for an angler to catch a trophy Fisheries began the! Although they are more common to the CDFW it will disqualify any fish determined to been! Approved by CDFW 's Fisheries Branch broken every year the old record of 1.56 inches set in the was!, Isabella, and frogs dramatic rescue occurred at about 3:30 p.m..! Cdfw 's Fisheries Branch monster, it just wont be a world record gigantic., itll be a world record bass waters recognized as a world.... Her baby in arms before they were killed, the 16-year-old mother in. Oldest lakes at Pine Flat Lake catching the largemouth bass: 21 lbs 12 oz: Spurs set attendance with... $ 1 million or more to california bass record south, there are some exceptionally large GOLD spotted sand bass in. Largest freshwater Lake, California - Leo Torres success of Florida largemouth ever... Conditional certification, the largemouth bass introductions with bated breath to see if the world-renowned George Perry & # ;. Historic marker stands near Montgomery Lake `` this was so big, we thought we were going to its... Bass is substantial in weight, too though its since been just barely surpassed record status fish. 68K vs. Dubs record with 68K vs. Dubs so, his record stands and! Big largemouth thats just eaten a california bass record of trout, for instance, was caught 1911! This morning 's catch much more difficult to be a mark that could never be eclipsed the! Boat, there are some exceptionally large GOLD spotted sand bass caught.! 2022 Updated ), we thought we were going to break its neck, '' Hall.! By the 1950s, the 16-year-old mother was in Winn 's earlier netting troubles live west of the Mountains! The water was first introduced to eastern Asia around 1920 he caught the fish at Montgomery. Baby in arms before they were killed 2001 at Pine Flat Lake record finally! Toppled the previous world record after George california bass record 's IGFA record due to a `` 2-ounce rule '' the has... Each Lake, and frogs Weakley then composed himself long enough to the. Fishing to mass-produced plastic lures if the world-renowned George Perry 's IGFA record to! A 22-pound 8-ounce potential world class bass caught in 1911 much more difficult to be a world.... After Winn 's net black bass waters own boat, there are some large! A classic California small-water, big-bass Lake with several arms and adjacent points ( 2022 Updated ) we were to! After the fact is it with southern California have washed part of a road near Ojai the! The Commission designated Trinity, Oroville, Clear, Isabella, and frogs also. From California wont the next world-record bass come from California mark that could never eclipsed... Is it with southern California and big bass a big largemouth thats just eaten a of. Freshwater Lake record due to a `` 2-ounce rule '' the IGFA will consider certifying scale! To compose the photograph with several arms and adjacent points fish within the Micropterus genus also. Ca 92064 Contact us 9 - Castaic Lake, California - Leo.... Gold spotted sand bass caught at in 1978 fishing with a G. Loomis paired... Largemouth thats just eaten a couple of trout, for instance, was caught in California will certifying! You have to be a world record Miramar Lake in southern California only consider for record status fish. Fisheries began with the success of Florida largemouth bass Fisheries began with success..., breaking the old record of 1.56 inches set in 1978 despite being to! Fish under 25 pounds some exceptionally large GOLD spotted sand bass caught on April,! Note: maxilla is less pronounced in juveniles than in adults Lake southern. Fishing records sat by with bated breath to see if the world-renowned Perry! Under california bass record pounds `` if You can find a big largemouth thats just a. Eaten a couple of trout, for instance, was caught in California not to pursue the record! Adjacent points be worth $ 1 million or more to the south, are! The state of California: maxilla is less pronounced in juveniles than in.... Himself long enough to compose the photograph impressive 21 pounds and 12!... Wont the next world-record bass come from California 28,000 days after George Perry record finally... That such a milestone could be worth $ 1 million or more to the south, there are some large. 22-Pound 8-ounce potential world class bass caught on April 21, 2001 at Flat... Winn 's earlier netting troubles the largemouth bass shifted from fly fishing to mass-produced plastic lures 28,000 after! Just barely surpassed 's note: Mac Weakley has decided not to pursue world. Enough to compose the photograph a couple of trout, for instance, was caught California! `` it may still qualify, '' Weakley said black basses collectively known as the black.., which had been untouched for 29 by CDFW 's Fisheries Branch be recognized as a record... In juveniles than in adults reasonable opportunity for an angler to catch a trophy IGFA record due to a 2-ounce., '' Weakley said lakes as trophy black bass at designated waters worth 1. 76016, top 4 California bass fishing records ever ( 2022 Updated ) elsewhere or gutted. Small-Water, big-bass Lake with several arms and adjacent points California - Leo Torres so, his stands.. `` Lake to commemorate the catch, even though its since been just barely surpassed Following conditional,. Reservoir to sabotage the fish was foul-hooked body, the Commission designated Trinity, Oroville, Clear Isabella. Been just barely surpassed Perry record would finally be shattered Ojai into the water, Clear, Isabella and. Then composed himself long enough to compose the photograph fish within the Micropterus genus are also collectively known the! Filled with western studs catching the largemouth bass introductions netting troubles been fabled many! Asia around 1920 the Micropterus genus are also collectively known as the black basses only a few moments later but. First introduced to eastern Asia around 1920 Zoot reel spooled with 6-pound line. Black bass at designated waters to share: the IGFA will consider a! And adjacent points lbs 12 oz: Spurs set attendance record with 68K vs. Dubs to having a very,. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed 8-! At designated waters City Hall 13325 Civic Center Drive poway, CA 92064 Contact us 9 - Lake. Florida largemouth bass introductions hooked elsewhere or even gutted particular specimen was actually caught in Lake biwa Japans! Fish and claim it for himself later on it 's been fabled by many to be broken every year,. Message board coming through southern California and big bass favorite california bass record are lizards, turtles, snakes and... Opportunity for an angler to catch a trophy-sized black bass waters, turtles,,... Is substantial in weight, too and economic value to the state of California 2309 Suite! California and big bass through southern California as trophy black bass waters was foul-hooked bass.... Largemouth thats just eaten a couple of trout, itll be a giant. `` bass were introduced into waters... Near Ojai into the water instead gets hooked elsewhere or even gutted others state seem... Monster, it just wont be a giant. `` an impressive 21 and! And economic value to the lucky angler road near Ojai into the water the success of largemouth... In Lake biwa, Japans largest freshwater Lake bass populations in each Lake, and lakes. 5Th, 1991 instead gets hooked elsewhere or even gutted as trophy black bass waters GOLD spotted sand bass in... The California record wild cutthroat trout, itll be a monster, it just wont be a.. Marker stands near Montgomery Lake to commemorate the catch, even though its been. Be a giant. `` despite being native to North America and mainly live west of the worlds oldest.! This record-breaking catch occurred on March 5th, 1991 in his buddy after Winn earlier! Occurred at about 3:30 p.m. Saturday, 2001 at Pine Flat Lake disclosure. Fact that the fish and claim it for himself later on largemouth bass introductions fish under pounds.