mrbassky Posted January 9, 2009 Posted January 9, 2009 I firmly believe the reason the world record came from Georgia when no bass near that size have came since is related to climate change. I think to max out the growth of Largemouth bass you need the right climate pattern. The growing seasons play a role on how big bass will get, the same as it does in all wildlife. I think that with the longer growing seasons as the climate has warmed the fish grow more year round but also reach the point where they stop growing faster. I read stories of settlers catching 20pd bass from Florida. Case in pt the only Florida bass ever caught over 20 was in 1923. I think that the climate in California is better to give fish long lives but also the perfect length growing seasons. Forage and habitat are also key but I think climate change is the main reason you wont likely see any 20lb fish from Florida anytime soon.
Super User Paul Roberts Posted January 9, 2009 Super User Posted January 9, 2009 Interesting idea. But, remember a 20# bass is likely over 10 years old so you'd need a climate effect over long term. Also, someone here once brought up the very interesting question about the legitimacy of the Georgia record, mentioning that Florida strain bass are not native to that part of Georgia, meaning Perry's record would have been a northern strain fish. As far as I know there are no northern strain bass surpassing the 15# behemoth from MA. All 15+# bass, I believe, are pure Florida strain, whether from FL, TX, or CA. Interesting anyway.
Super User roadwarrior Posted January 9, 2009 Super User Posted January 9, 2009 We all "qualify" the World Record when IGFA certification is the overriding determinant. Fine, I'm not necessarily taking a different stand, but this is the "Biggest Bass" that has ever been caught: http://www.signonsandiego.com/sports/outdoors/20060320-1251-bn20bass.html 8-)
Super User Paul Roberts Posted January 9, 2009 Super User Posted January 9, 2009 Maybe the Perry fish was due to an unknown stocking of Fl strain fish? LOTS of stocking occurred in many species all over the country very early on (starting in the late 1800s), and most records are obscure, likely most are lost. Got to admit though, that Perry fish is an oddball, an outlier. The only other fish on the list that Matt provided caught outside of TX, CA, or FL are single fish from Mississippi and Japan -both relatively recent catches, and probably both FL strain. Yeah RW, that is one heck of a bass. All those CA monsters are just amazing. It's a good story too. I like the idea that fishing, and those fish, mean more to those guys than money and fame. Guys like Weakley, Crupi, Long, Muddy (you know, that 2.8 from Mauch Chunk he never told us about 'til now).
Super User J Francho Posted January 9, 2009 Super User Posted January 9, 2009 this is the "Biggest Bass" that has ever been caught: http://www.signonsandiego.com/sports/outdoors/20060320-1251-bn20bass.html 8-) And it was caught by the "right" guys. Awesome fish!
Randall Posted January 9, 2009 Posted January 9, 2009 There are lots of FloridaXNorthern Strain bass in Ga. I would almost say most of the fish in South GA are FlordiaXNorthern. So most likely the Perry fish was. I don't see how you could make the Perry bass/climate change claim at all unless there was real strong evidence of a big change during the years of the life of the bass. I would guess it would be just the opposite since we have so much global warming now. :
Super User Muddy Posted January 9, 2009 Super User Posted January 9, 2009 I think an obvious explanation was the lack of pressure on fish in those days, she just had a chance to grow up!
Super User Bassn Blvd Posted January 9, 2009 Super User Posted January 9, 2009 I think an obvious explanation was the lack of pressure on fish in those days, she just had a chance to grow up! Sounds good to me.
Super User Paul Roberts Posted January 10, 2009 Super User Posted January 10, 2009 There are lots of FloridaXNorthern Strain bass in Ga. I would almost say most of the fish in South GA are FlordiaXNorthern. So most likely the Perry fish was. Unless there was a lot of unrecorded early stocking, the Perry fish came before the Florida strain recognition, and craze. Plus, in most waters, I believe the hybrids tend to be maladaptive. It's the pure Florida's that attain such size. I think an obvious explanation was the lack of pressure on fish in those days, she just had a chance to grow up! Age structure is probably a good part of it. Think of the fish that were caught and went unrecognized back then. Interestingly, both the 20# Florida entry and Perry's fish were pre-summer fish (June and May).
Super User Gatorbassman Posted January 10, 2009 Super User Posted January 10, 2009 Fact about bass - A bass will grow throughout its entire life so long as it has food to eat. One day without food is one day's worth of growth lost. So the factors that affect growth are quantity and quality of the food the bass consumes. The length of the growing seasons change every year, but never by more than a few days one way or the other. So I don't think climate change caused this one fish to get 4lbs bigger than any other fish before of after it. If the WR bass was able to get the quality and quantity of food that it needed to get to 22lbs why didn't anyone else catch a fish that was similar in size and growth rate?
George Welcome Posted January 10, 2009 Posted January 10, 2009 You have, in your choice of subject matter, brought up what is a question that at this time can be answered by no one. Size reached within Largemouth bass seems to have such an obscure answer that to this point we don't have much of an answer from all the research that has occured. As for intergrade bass, (genetically mixed northern and southern largemouth bass), they naturally occur east of the Mississippi from Florida to Maryland. What is know as the weather line, (Melbourne to Tampa, Florida) seems to be the northern extreme for guaranteed Florida strain bass. Perry's bass had three possiblities: F1, or integrade strain, which would have been a natural occurence - Florida strain, which would more than likely as not have been a transplant. Pure Northern strain which more likely than does not occur. As the adage goes: the professor is out to lunch on this subject today, but perhaps tomorrow will come our enlightenment. PS: Florida strain bass have successfully been transplanted to several areas west of the Mississippi. However in no time the dominant strain is more likely than not the F1. If, my knowledge had a bit of slip-up in translation from my brain to my fingers on the keyboard, it is because I am just home from a bit of surgery. Wait a moment! I am always using that excuse. :
Bean Counter Posted January 12, 2009 Posted January 12, 2009 I don't want to stir things up here, but you all seem to be assuming the Perry bass really weighed that much. It was not weighed on a certified scale and had no independent verification. After seeing pictures, I for one, am not convinced it was really that big.
Super User roadwarrior Posted January 12, 2009 Super User Posted January 12, 2009 I don't want to stir things up here, but you all seem to be assuming the Perry bass really weighed that much. It was not weighed on a certified scale and had no independent verification. After seeing pictures, I for one, am not convinced it was really that big. Nope...we're not going there. If you have thoughts on THE FISH, post them. The other, ongoing argument is not going to be rehashed here. -Kent a.k.a. roadwarrior Global Moderator
SoFl-native Posted January 12, 2009 Posted January 12, 2009 I think Perry's fish was an old, mossed back, hawg that ate ospreys and small children. I love the story behind that record so much i hope it is never broken.
Super User fishfordollars Posted January 12, 2009 Super User Posted January 12, 2009 I think Perry's fish was an old, mossed back, hawg that ate ospreys and small children. I love the story behind that record so much i hope it is never broken. X2,
txbass1 Posted January 13, 2009 Posted January 13, 2009 The average Chinese citizen height is 5'8" recorded in 2008 by poll. Yao Ming (chinese born & bred) is 7'6" tall. 47+% bigger than the average. Natures' freaks at work. I believe the record and also believe it will be broken. Where? Could honestly be one of a few places. Hoping it is on the end of my line!
Super User Tin Posted January 13, 2009 Super User Posted January 13, 2009 I believe the record and also believe it will be broken. Where? Could honestly be one of a few places. Around Chernobyl and it will be caught sight fishing at night because of a green glow coming from it.
Super User Muddy Posted January 13, 2009 Super User Posted January 13, 2009 BRILLIANT: YOU HAVE COME UP WITH A PLAUSIBLE ANSWER. IT SEEMS THAT A LOT OF LOST BASE BALLS SOMEHOW ROLLED INTO MONTGOMERY LAKE, AND THAT BASS ATE THEM, ACCOUNTING FOR IT'S UNUSUALLY HIGH WEIGHT
Super User roadwarrior Posted January 13, 2009 Super User Posted January 13, 2009 This thread has been edited and off topic posts deleted. Goodnight Irene. -Kent a.k.a. roadwarrior Global Moderator
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