World record bass a phony.....

[bilgerat]

.....says Doug Hannon in this month's issue of Field and Stream. Here is the paragraph:

"I don't think there is a world record bass in Florida. If it happens, it'll happen in California, Texas or Mexico. It's important to be honest about this catch. George Perry's record has lasted more than 70 years, and to be quite honest, it isn't real. The first (certified) 20 - plus pound bass (since Perry's fish) was Dave Zimerlee's 20- pound 15-ounce largemouth caught in California. His fish was 26.75 inches long with a girth of 28 inches. Perry claimed (his 22-pound 4-ounce bass was) 32.5 inches long with a girth of 28.75 inches. It is preposterous to assume that adding almost 6 inches in length and 3/4 inch in girth would only add about 1.3 pounds. The fact that no pictures were taken and that no parts of the fish ever survived the fish fry is telling as well. Perry's fish was probably 13 pounds."

This is sure to stir the pot. The entire article is pretty good, that was only one paragraph. Here's a couple of tidbits I found interesting:

Most large bass (over 15 pounds) were caught in 6 feet or less of water. (according to his research)

He claims 90% of his 10 pound bass came on a 7 inch straight tail worm.

[FishingPirate]

Thats interesting. Id rather Perry's bass maintain its position untill it is broken though. Its not like its impossible. If his bass was recorded as 32lbs 4oz thatd be different. Its a fact that 22+lbers exist, someone just needs to get one.

[Fish Chris]

Hey Bilge, yea', I've heard Doug H's take on it, and he's probably right.

But then again, I kind of agree with Pirates opinion too

Id rather Perry's bass maintain its position untill it is broken though. Its not like its impossible. If his bass was recorded as 32lbs 4oz thatd be different.

I'm not sure their is a 22-6 bass swimming around at this very moment though.... or, a bass which is always more than 22-6 even with normal weight fluctuations. But even so, a 22-6 or better is doable.

BTW, that 25.1 that was foul hooked (which I absolutely believe was 25.1 lbs) was almost certainly a genetic fluke. Otherwise we would have seen five of them in the 24 lb range, and twenty of them over 23 lbs..... but instead, we haven't seen even one more over 22 lbs, in a long time. And that fish has since been proven to have died. So, its going to take another 1 in 100 million fish just like it.... and then it will have to get caught "after" growing to its full potential. You'd probably have a better shot at winning $100 million in the lottery ;-)

How's that for a vote of confidence ? ;-)

Peace,

Fish

[etommy28]

"The fact that no pictures were taken and that no parts of the fish ever survived the fish fry is telling as well. Perry's fish was probably 13 pounds."

Incorrect sir, there was a picture taken, here it is... this fish is a monster.

and as far as florida goes, there very well could be a record bass in this state. there are lakes like stick marsh and rodman where they could live and never see a lure. as well as okeechobee, toho, and many others do to there size.

[DINK WHISPERER]

I believe the next one will come from Okeechobee!  

[etommy28]

it is very possible, i was there in feb. I say 6 fish on beds al of them over 9pds. in a 150 area. I could not catch any though. there is also so much open water that no one fishs and who knows what is swimming there.

[Fish Chris]

Ya' know etommy, not to sound liike a smart arse, but in reality, you could have seen > 6 fish on beds, with all of them over 18 lbs, and their still might not be a single fish over 20 lbs... let alone over 22-4. That's just the way fisheries work.

We have a lake here in Cali (my home lake Berryessa) which has produced at least 30 bass over 16 lbs..... with at least 10 of those being over 17 lbs, but yet the lake record is only 17.5 lbs. 17lbs is just about where they top out in this lake.

Not to say that Berryessa, or Okeechobee couldn't produce a 20.... or a 22-6... but if either of these places (or any other place on the planet) does produce a 22-6 or bigger, it will have as much, or MORE to do with the exact fish in question, than it does the body of water it came from.

Peace,

Fish

BTW, about that photo of Perrys fish, that is a very hard photo to judge the weight of the fish with. Perry is holding it, not in front of himself, but rather, in front of a small child (who knows "how small").

That's a big bass no doubt, but judging by the photo alone, I wouldn't give it more than say 16 lbs, and that would be stretching it. I think it could be "as small as" the 13 lbs that others have suggested.

[etommy28]

no man I was just showing the fact that there is a pic. of the fish. I have to admit i was told where those fish were and I did not believe them so I checked it out and sure enough.

[burleytog]

I would take any word or assemblage of words that come out of Hannon's mouth with a 50 lb. bag of salt.

[NYfishwow]

Doug hannon is expert fisherman, who spent 50 or more years fishing, caught 100s of 10 lb bass which not many fisherman in the world do!  Its a good opinion about old world record bass, there's only very few pics about that fish and lots of facts missing. A 13 lb bass should be about same size as persons arm or size of little 2-3 ft child. Its very possible that fish was not in 20 lb range but there definitely a lot of information not available .

[roadwarrior]

That's a big bass no doubt, but judging by the photo alone, I wouldn't give it more than say 16 lbs, and that would be stretching it. I think it could be "as small as" the 13 lbs that others have suggested.

Hmm...

Fish Chris knows a little bit about both big fish and photography.

8-)

[NYfishwow]

Fish Chris and Roadwarrior are right in my opinion. When you really think about it, Perry was good average fisherman with less then average gear to fish with. Is it possible to catch a 22 lb fish off less upgraded rod and reel compared to a zebco combo? Theres always a chance but it doesn't really make sense.

Cool to give title to perry for amazing catch but if he only caught a 13 lb fish, then years later tons of people who caught larger fish didn't even get record because he was already given the title of best.  Not really fair .  :-/

[etommy28]

here is my two sence, I heard/ read a interview with the kid in the pic. he swears it was 22pds on the scale. but he was a kid plus who is to say that the scale was right. it was a long time ago and who knows. but with no proof either way can we really take the title from him. I dont think so, it is this simple go out and fish and maybe you will luck on to some genetic mistake that weighs over 22 pds. what really scares me is with the tech. now that some one might make a huge bas in a lab. so long story short just go fish for fun or what ever you reasons are and try to get luck.

And personally I dont consider him the best but just the man with the largest bass caught legally at this time.

[bilgerat]

The record only exists in YOUR mind. You either believe it or you don't. Hannon's opinion is just that, an opinion. And you know how that old saying about opinions goes...

I've said it here before. If the record was broken tomorrow, there would be naysayers right off the bat. Perry's critics have cited (rightfully so) lack of pictures and documentation. The fact that it was the 1930's before the age of digital cameras, computers, etc. only fuels the fire. In 75 years, people would look back on a 2009 'record' fish with the same skepticism. It's human nature.

[32251]

Hannon is just sour grapes. He can moan all he wants, but there is a world record and he does not have it.

[Mattlures]

I dont know if I believe it or not but I hate it when somebody posts that picture and says "here is the pic with Perry's bass"

THATS NOT PERRY IN THE PICTURE !!!!!!!! tHERE IS ABSOLUTLEY NO PROOF THAT IS PERRY'S FISH. PERIOD!!!!!! Somebody found that pic when their aunt died and suposedly she knew some of Perry's relatives so they make the huge leap and assume that is Perry fish. I repeat, that is not Perry in the picture!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Nor has that picture evr been authenticated.

[.dsaavedra.]

Hannon is just sour grapes. He can moan all he wants, but there is a world record and he does not have it.

SO TRUE!!!

i actually laughed out loud when i read this.

[bladeslinger]

I read somewhere the fish was weighed at a post office for verification in the Field and Stream contest.  My opinion- a post office would never short a scale and lose $$$

[CatBassin]

I read the book "Sowbelly, Chase For The World Record Bass" about a year ago and I have questions about the record myself. No there's not enough evidence to prove it's true but there's also not enough evidence to disapprove it either. I say we keep it as is.

[.dsaavedra.]

I read the book "Sowbelly, Chase For The World Record Bass" about a year ago and I have questions about the record myself. No there's not enough evidence to prove it's true but there's also not enough evidence to disapprove it either. I say we keep it as is.

word.

[Fish Chris]

Hannon is just sour grapes.

Darn, you guys are ruthless ! Whether I agreed with Hannon, or not, I don't think I'd go so far as to call him jellous LOL

The guy has couple more than just a few big ones himself. (I think I have him by a half a lb or so though ;-) Not that I'm a better angler. It's just because ours are trout-fed.

Mattlures is right though. I remember reading that thier had not been any proof that that was really a photo of Perry's fish..... but that the guy in that photo "was definately not" Perry....

Hmmmm,

Fish

[Tanker4lyfe]

o well there is only two places the next record will come from its either a california lake that the bass gorge on rainbows or a mexico lake where bass gorge on talapia. JUST MY .02

also from that pic id say dottie was bigger foul hooked or not

[Eddie Munster]

I kind of doubt Perry's fish due to the lack of pics but until officials say he doesn't have the record, he has the record.

I do believe there's a World Record out there somewhere at some time of the year. Just because it (or something so close to it) hasn't been caught, doesn't mean it doesn't exist. If it gets that big it's smart enough to stay away from us.

[Mattlures]

The record fish exists but I doubt any fish maintanes record weight throughout the year. There are probably 2-3 fish on the planit that will get to or over 22lbs durring the spawn. Then they need to eat something and keep it down after you catch them. And You actualy have to catch them!!! It aint happening this year. All the potential lakes that have giant fish are done for the year. Maybe next year. No 20's this year either.

I except Perry's record because it is the mark to beat. I do not totaly belive it but I except it. If one were to research it thouroghly it becomes extremely difficult to believe. There are gaping holes in the "evidence" and way more then enough reasonable doubt.

Hannon has good reason for his opinion.

My opinion is, whats the point? seriously. I believe it was possible, (doubtful) but possible. I know the number to beat and I know the guys who are chasing it. None of them are all that old and they dont seem to be slowing down. If the fish is out here, one of them will get it.

[George Welcome]

It's so easy to call a dead man a liar and cheat.