The allure of angling largely lies in the thrill of the catch, and no species embodies this more than the largemouth bass. With a global following, the largemouth bass has evolved from a humble fish to a celebrated icon in the world of recreational angling. Their accessibility to anglers across all socio-economic levels, coupled with their exciting game fish characteristics, has cemented their status as a favorite among fishing enthusiasts.
Fishing methods for the largemouth bass are diverse, ranging from artificial lures like stick bait and crankbait to the classic art of fly fishing.
World Record Largemouth Bass: The All Angling Record
Imagine hauling in a 22 pounds 4 ounces (10,16kg) largemouth bass from the waters. That’s the weight of the All-Tackle largemouth bass world record, a title that remains unbeaten for over 89 years. George Perry landed this monstrous catch on Montgomery Lake in Georgia, using a Creek Chub Fintail Shiner lure from his handcrafted wooden boat.
In 2009, George Perry had to share his world record bass title when Manabu Kurita, fishing in Lake Biwa, central Japan, caught a largemouth of the same weight. Kurita’s record bass took the bait of a live Bluegill. Despite being caught continents apart, news of the shared world record quickly spread.
There have been strong contenders over the years, but George Perry’s world record largemouth bass remains undefeated. Raymond Easley came close with his 21-pound, 3 ounces bass caught on a live crawfish in Lake Casitas, CA, in March 1980. This was the largest catch since Perry’s record.
Robert Crupi holds the men’s 12-pound line class record for largemouth bass, with a 21-pound catch from Castaic Lake, CA, using a live crawdad. Dan Kadota also landed a 20-pounder from Castaic Lake, CA, in 1989 using a live crawfish as bait.
These records show that conventional fishing tackle and natural bait selection can yield some of the largest recorded largemouth bass.
World Record Largemouth Bass on a Fly Rod
Fly fishing offers a unique challenge, and Larry Kurosaki certainly rose to it. He holds the record for the heaviest largemouth bass caught on a fly rod, weighing in at a hefty 16 pounds, 12 ounces. This impressive catch was made in Castaic Lagoon on February 26, 2009.
Kurosaki’s record-breaking catch, made on a fly fishing tackle using a self-tied minnow imitation, is the largest fly-caught largemouth bass recorded by the International Game Fish Association (IGFA). Despite the largemouth bass’s size and fighting spirit, Kurosaki managed to bring it to the net in under seven minutes. It was later registered in the world record books as the men’s 8-pound tippet class record.
Understanding the Largemouth Bass
The Largemouth Bass (Micropterus salmoides) is a top predator in a natural ecosystem, and its striking colors and spots make it a favorite among North American freshwater gamefish anglers. They thrive in calm, warm waters and adapt well to different environments. Their diet is as varied as their habitats, with adult largemouth bass consuming everything from small minnows, perch, and sunfish to frogs, crawfish, and even small aquatic birds.
Targeting Largemouth Bass
Largemouth bass typically stay in areas with thick vegetation, brush, fallen trees, or wood cover. Though they occasionally feed in the open, they primarily eat within these habitats. To increase your chances of hooking a trophy bass, focus on these vegetated areas and use a fly with a weed guard.
Tips for Catching Largemouth Bass on a Fly Rod
Maximize your success rate by fishing during low light hours. Remember to “strip set” the hook as you would in saltwater fly fishing, rather than a trout set. Also, don’t overlook deeper pools, as big bass like to hold in these areas. Use a sink tip fly line to get your streamer to them.
Wrapping Up
Even the most dedicated trout purists can’t resist the thrill of catching bass. Their power, versatility, and the technical skill required to catch them make them a worthy adversary for any angler. So, gear up, cast your line, and get ready for the fight. Happy fishing and tight lines!
