For most of us, big bass fishing goes on for a long time.
It’s a passion!
Some (like my wife) say it’s a habit.
The final quest is to reach the world’s largest buses.
Breaking a world record may be just a dream, but breaking a big bass record is a journey worth chasing.
22 pounds, 4 ounces – World Record Largemouth Bass#1 George PerryBiggest Largemouth Bass Ever CaughtTie for All-Tackle World Record Bass – Manabu Kurita#2.
Terry McAbeeState Records for Largemouth Bass Other Notable Records World Record Smallmouth BassDavid Hayes World Record Bass Gregory Myerson
22 pounds, 4 ounces – World Record Largemouth Bass
The official world record for largemouth was set on June 2nd, 1932 by legend George Perry.
He caught a 22 pound, 4 ounce whopper at Lake Montgomery in South Georgia.
The fish fed his family of six well, twice.
#1 George Perry
22 lb 4 oz | June 1932 | Montgomery Lake, Georgia, USA
George Washington Perry Courtesy of IGFA
The legend George Perry caught a 22 pound 4-ounce largemouth bass in June 1932.
It stands as an IGFA record to this day, 90 years later!
One hot day, George was 20 years old when the famous man took his bait.
Little did he know that his fish would lead to a multi-billion dollar game fishing industry.
The reliability of the way this fish was recorded is another reason why this record exists.
The details of the event are as amazing as the handling.
We know that George was a farm laborer.
He said that he went fishing because the weather was too wet for him to do field work.
After catching such a big bass, the excitement started again.
George heard about the Field and Stream competition going on here.
He got into his fish and officially weighed it.
The fish won him an award, and earned his place in the history books of bass anglers to this day!
Biggest Large Bass Ever Caught
Tie for All-Tackle World Record Bass – Manabu Kurita
22 lbs 5 oz | July 2009 | Lake Biwa, Japan
Perry’s biography.
For 77 years, anglers chased this big record around the world, however, as Manabu Kurita was happy to catch the record of the biggest bass, it will not break the world record.
For those of us who want to go down in the history books, you need to get your fish recognized by the International Game Fish Association.
This organization manages and maintains all records related to fishing.
If it is not IGFA, your reputation may be tarnished and suspect.
Unfortunately for Manabu Kurita, the IGFA rules are detailed and strict.
The draft rules require that any fish under 25 pounds be at least 2 ounces smaller than the current size.
Not a new world record, its size and weight make it a popular fish.
This 1 ounce means that the catch won’t be larger than 1932 large bass.
In fact, he tied George for the World Record for most wins.
These amazing buses have sparked discussions in Japan and other Asian countries.
Right now, in the United States, the legend of the original monster still lives on.
There are only three men on record to catch a largemouth larger than 22 pounds.
In just three minutes, Robert caught his cold by using a lobster.
Some talked about Bob being born to break big records.
However 4 ounces short, the time would have passed.
21 lbs 3 oz | March 1980 | Oak View, California
One day Ray was teaching some people who don’t know much, he caught a big fish weighing 21 pounds.
He made a big splash in bass fishing by giving away his certificate of over 20 pounds.
21 lbs March 1990 | Castaic Lake, California
21 lbs March 1990 | Castaic Lake, California
Robert Crupi started his hot streak for the big bass game in 1990.
This giant was the 3rd largest largemouth recorded by the IGFA.
Bob chased his race valiantly for five days, and finally hit the mark.
19 lbs 2 oz | January 1989 | Morena Lake, California
A 19 pound 2-ounce largemouth bass caught in the 12-pound test group.
Hanline’s fish were landed during the winter at Morena Lake in San Diego.
19 lbs January 1989 | Castaic Lake, California
Dan, experienced and determined, tried his luck one very cold day.
Placing live crabs on the ground near Castaic Lake, they found the winner of the competition.
This winner put southern California on the map as a hot spot for largemouth bass.
17 lbs 1 oz | December 1990 | Castaic Lake, California
Another big mouth worthy magazine brought to you by Bob. Crupi proved that changing baits can kill more fish when his fish fall on a herring jig.
A fisherman for many years, Robert fought his bass for 15 minutes using a 4-pound line-class.
17 lbs March 2000 | Murray Reservoir, California
Young Cody loved fishing.
Cody wanted to find time to fish before his school day started.
He was surprised when he found a very big fish.
16 lbs 12 oz | February 2009 | Castaic Lagoon, California
Larry liked to use flies.
A small minnow fly was all it took to attract a largemouth, weighing 16 pounds.
16 lbs 9 oz | March 1998 | Lake Isabella, California
McAbee proudly displays 10 World Record largemouth.
Terry caught his official winner using a common worm.
Draw rigs like Terry’s help with why some swear by artificial worms for lunker largemouth bass.
State Records for Largemouth Bass
Bass fishing has turned into big business.
We have come a long way from the day George Perry won 50 dollars in 1932.
The joy of watching and participating in competitions can add new features to one’s fishing.
Achieving huge monetary rewards like pro angular can make one covet such a job.
However, taking a major government profile is easy.
Can you imagine having your name in the record books?
For avid anglers, having a state record is like being a living legend.
What is your fishing history?
Using different bass fishing tips can help you get bigger.
Geary1999New Hampshire10 lbs, 8 ozLake PotanipoG.
Higbie1987North Carolina15 lbs, 14 ozPrivate PondWilliam H.
Other Notable Articles
World Record Smallmouth Bass
11 lb 15 oz | July 1955 | Dale Hollow Lake, Tennessee, USA
Hayes is reported by the IGFA to be the world record holder for smallmouth bass.
When the returning dock worker said that engine parts were put into the fish to make it heavier, the head was removed first.
At the age of 80, Mr. Hayes lived to see his international status restored.
World Record Striped Bass
81 lb 14 oz | August 2011 | Long Island Sound, Westbrook, Connecticut, USA
His innovation and competitive spirit have allowed him to win several games and currently hold a world record.