For many of us, fishing for largemouth bass goes far beyond an informal past.
It’s a passion!
Some (like my wife) say it’s an addiction.
The ultimate quest is to land the largest largemouth bass in the world.
Breaking the world record could only be a dream, but breaking every major bass record is an adventure worth pursuing.
22 pounds, 4 ounces – World Record Largemouth Bass#1 George PerryLargest Largemouth Bass ever caughtTie for All-Tackle World Record Bass – Manabu Kurita#2.
Terry McAbeeState Records for Largemouth BassOther Notable RecordsWorld Record Smallmouth BassDavid HayesWorld Record Striped BassGregory Myerson
22 pounds, 4 ounces – World Record Largemouth Bass
The official world record in Largemouth was set on June 2, 1932 by legend George Perry.
He caught the 22 pound, 4 ounce whopper at Lake Montgomery in South Georgia.
The fish comfortably fed his family of six, twice.
#1 George Perry
22lb 4oz | June 1932 | Montgomery Lake, Georgia, USA
George Washington Perry Courtesy of IGFA
The legend named Geoge Perry caught a 22 pound 4-ounce largemouth bass in June 1932.
It still stands as the IGFA record to this day, 90 years later!
On a hot summer day, George was 20 years old when the famous whopper got hold of him.
Little did he know that his fish would spark a billion dollar sport fishing industry.
The reliability of how this fish was documented is another reason this record stands.
Details of the event are just as amazing as the catch.
We know that George was a farm laborer.
He reportedly took the day off to go fishing because the weather was too wet for field work.
After getting such a big bass, serendipity struck again.
George learned about a Field and Stream competition currently underway.
He put his fish in and had it officially weighed.
The fish earned him the prize, but also secured his place in the history books of bass anglers to this day!
Largest Largemouth Bass ever caught
Tie for All-Tackle World Record Bass – Manabu Kurita
22lb 5oz | July 2009 | Lake Bawa, Japan
Perry’s record.
For 77 years fishermen chased this world record for large bass, but as happy as Manabu Kurita was to catch a record largemouth bass, it would not break the world record.
For those of us who want to be logged in the history books, get your catch recognized by the International Game Fish Association.
This organization is the authority and administration of all things fishing.
If it is not IGFA, your file may be infected and suspicious.
Unfortunately for Mr. Manabu Kurita, the IGFA rules are quite detailed and strict.
The documented rules require any fish under 25 pounds to be at least 2 ounces more than the current record holder.
Not exactly a new world record, its size and weight make it a record fish.
This 1 ounce means his winning fish does not surpass the 1932 largemouth bass.
Instead, he ties George for the winning world record.
This great bass caused a lot of talk in Japan and the regional Asian countries.
Meanwhile, in the United States, the legend of the original monster still overshadows everything.
Only three men are on the list for catching a largemouth over 22 pounds.
In just three minutes, Robert caught his whopper of crayfish.
Some said Bob was born to break the Largemouth record.
Still 4 ounces short, his time could be up.
21lb 3oz | March 1980 | Oak View, California
On a day when Ray was providing other, less experienced support, he hooked into a 21-pound big fish.
He made a serious impact in the bass fishing world by getting his largemouth certified for over 20 pounds.
21 pounds | March 1990 | Castaic Lake, California
21 pounds | March 1990 | Castaic Lake, California
Robert Crupi began his hot streak of largemouth bass catches in 1990.
This giant was the third largest largemouth recorded by the IGFA.
Bob hunted doggedly for his trophy for five days and finally landed a hit to remember.
19lb 2oz | Jan. 1989 | Morena Lake, California
A huge 19lb 2-ounce largemouth bass caught in the 12lb test category.
Hanline’s fish landed at Morena Lake in San Diego during the winter.
19 pounds | Jan. 1989 | Castaic Lake, California
Dan, an experienced and proven corner man, tried his luck on a cold winter day.
He laid down a live crayfish at the bottom of Castaic Lake and landed a trophy winner.
This whopper put Southern California on the map as a hotspot for record-breaking largemouths.
17lb 1oz | December 1990 | Castaic Lake, California
Another magazine worthy largemouth brought in by Bob. Crupi proved that changing baits can yield a record catch while his fish chewed on a herring jig.
A fish story for all ages, Robert battled his bass for 15 minutes with only 4-pound line class.
17 pounds | March 2000 | Murray Reservoir, California
Young Cody had a passion for fishing.
Cody wanted some quality time fishing before his school day even started.
To his surprise, he landed a record size fish.
16lb 12oz | February 2009 | Castaian Lagoon, California
Larry liked to use flying gear.
A small modified minnow fly was all it took to attract a large largemouth, weighing over 16 pounds.
16lb 9oz | March 1998 | Lake Isabella, California
McAbee proudly shows off his top 10 world record largemouth.
Terry caught his certified winner using the common rubber worm.
Record setters like Terry’s support why some swear by artificial worms for lunker largemouth bass.
State Records for Largemouth Bass
Bass fishing has become a big business.
We’ve come a long way since the day George Perry won $50 in 1932.
The excitement of watching and participating in competitions can add new elements to one’s fishing experience.
Earning huge cash prizes as a pro-angular can make one envious of such a career.
Still, capturing a state’s largemouth record is more accessible.
Can you imagine your name being etched in the record books?
For passionate anglers, having a state record is equivalent to becoming a living legend.
What is your current fishing record?
Implementing several bass fishing tips can help you land a big one.
Geary1999New Hampshire10 lbs, 8 ozLake PotanipoG.
Higbie1987North Carolina15 lbs, 14 ozPrivate PondWilliam H.
Other notable records
World Record Smallmouth Bass
11lb 15oz | July 1955 | Dale Hollow Lake, Tennessee, USA
According to the IGFA, Mr. Hayes the world record holder for smallmouth bass.
When a vengeful longshoreman reported that engine parts had been put in the fish to make it weigh more heavily, his title was initially revoked.
At the age of 80, Mr. Hayes reinstated his world title.
Striped bass world record
81lb 14oz | August 2011 | Long Island Sound, Westbrook, Connecticut, USA
Due to his innovations and competitive spirit, he has won multiple tournaments and currently holds two world records.