Giant bass

[WRB]

The official California state record for largemouth bass is 21.75 lbs., caught by Mike Arugo on March 5th, 1991 at Lake Castaic. Mike reportedly was trolling a Renosky 8" soft plastic swimbait, fishing out of a rental aluminum boat. The rental doesn't have a livewell or any means to keep a fish alive, so the bass was put in the boat, then taken back to the dock a few hours later to be weighed. The bass was dead and had lost weight from dehydration. Because the bass was dead, it was measured, weighed, examined by a Fish & Game biologist and certified.

The Arugo bass is the heaviest largemouth bass officially ever weighed, photographed and examined and IMO opinion should share the world record. The fact the the fishermen wasn't a known big bass expert and didn't know how to handle or promote this bass, it is lost in the history of bass fishing.

The next world record bass could easily be caught by another weekend angler like Arugo, the odds favorite it. Hundreds of weekend fishermen bass fish every weekend on lakes that have potential world record bass. Only a small hand full of dedicated trophy bass fishermen, who fish alone, target giant bass.

A few giant bass fishermen have self promoted their skills to off set the expense of tackle and lures or help their guiding businesses. The problem with self promotion is a double edge blade that cuts both ways; you become well known to the public. Fishermen with spotting scopes watch every move and decimate any spot they can locate.

Most giant bass fishermen prefer to remain under the radar as long as possible and go about catching and releasing the bass quietly without fanfare.

I agree with Matt (Mattlures) that bass are heaviest and most vulnerable during the spawn and sight fishing beds results in some of these bass being caught. Bob Crupi, Mike Arujo, Ray Easly were not sight or bed fishermen, they all caught pre spawn bass, bass that were staged in deeper water. The giant bass are only on a bed for less than a day, the odds are very small to be at the right fish at the right place at the right time.

The thought that the next world record will be a trout fed bass from one of California's small deep reservoirs isn't that far off. However IMO the world record could also be from the California delta; over 1,500 miles of bass water with a good food supply, no trout. The delta offers something few other bass locations have; sanctuary to grow to be a giant.

WRB

[senile1]

Interesting post, WRB.  

[Grey Wolf]

Over the years how many times has a world record bass been caught but for different reasons was never reported or verified ?

[Daniel My Brother]

Interesting post.

Do you know what the record is for the Delta, or any non-trout waters in CA? I had always just assumed that the next record would have to be trout fed to get to that size.

I'm sure the Arugo bass would have weighed more fresh out of the lake...but I suppose the same holds true for Perry's bass.

[Dad_Golf_Fish]

Do you know what the record is for the Delta, or any non-trout waters in CA?

I just saw a video on bass fishing the Delta, and I think I remember they said the current record is around 18 pounds. I had ruled out the Delta as a spot to fish because I thought the wind/waves might be a little too much for my 16ft. F/S, but after watching that video, I've changed my mind. I've got to fish it now. I have a friend who has fished it in a smaller boat. It's only about an hour and a half from me, so I might make it a fall overnight trip.

[Bass_Akwards]

First off, Perry's fish is a myth IMO. No way did that man catch a 22 pound bass. Until someone shows me a photo of him holding a fish that even comes CLOSE to looking like "Dotty" I'm going to be a non believer. I've seen an image of him holding a nice sized bass, but 22 pounds? Bwahahaha! Not a chance in hell.

Also. Can someone explain why a guy like Arugo, who was knowlegable enough to throw an 8 inch swimbait while trying to catch huge bass, would finally catch one, and take HOURS to get it back to the dock?

That's almost the dumbest thing I've ever heard. "Weekend angler" or not, who fishes for, then catches a bass that might be a world record, and watches it suffocate on the boat? I never heard that story and now I'm a little ticked at his actions. Even a 12 year old kid would know the difference between a huge bass, and a potential world record and even if this fish was only 7 pounds, just to let it die like that sucks. Sheeeesh.

[SoFl-native]

The Arugo bass is the heaviest largemouth bass officially ever weighed, photographed and examined and IMO opinion should share the world record.  

Why do you think it should share the record?

It weighed less than the world record. There is no way of ever knowing what it weighed just out water.

[J Francho]

Because its a fully documented, witnessed, and photographed fish, unlike the current world record, which to me stands more of a benchmark for trophy bass.

[flechero]

What is it with the record nay sayers? California has had 2 fish bigger than the record caught and both times it got screwed up. (once by DFG and the other by an unlucky hookset) That's not Perry's fault. :

Maybe you guys should promote "record readiness" and have it as a class to get a fishing license. ...lol

First off, Perry's fish is a myth IMO. No way did that man catch a 22 pound bass.

Like it or not, the catch was certified and documented to the required standards of the day. Not everyone had a camera or camera phone back then. Even if it were a total farce, you couldn't get that many people to agree on a lie... and stick to it.

[WRB]

Interesting post.

Do you know what the record is for the Delta, or any non-trout waters in CA? I had always just assumed that the next record would have to be trout fed to get to that size.

I'm sure the Arugo bass would have weighed more fresh out of the lake...but I suppose the same holds true for Perry's bass.

The largest I know of was 20.4 lbs, Lake Hodges, 1985, caught by Gene Dupras, post spawn in May.

There has been a least 2 bass in the 18+ lb range from the CA delta last year. The Florida strain bass were stocked, as I recall, back in the early 90's in the delta. The only problem is the water management in the delta is very political and they could easily impact the fishery.

The Perry bass was hauled back in a pick up and must have lost a few pounds.

WRB

[Big Bait Fishing]

i know there are HUGE bass in the lake i fish (dixon) about two -three weeks ago i saw a 15-18# bass with with a 3-4# trout sticking out of her mouth. and have had other giants follow my swimbaits. they make me want to dive in after them ;D. anyhow , huge bass will continue to be caught , maybe not neccesarily in the lakes we think they will be . i guess that's the magic of bass fishing , you never know what your gonna catch........

[Raul]

First off, Perry's fish is a myth IMO. No way did that man catch a 22 pound bass. Until someone shows me a photo of him holding a fish that even comes CLOSE to looking like "Dotty" I'm going to be a non believer .

George Welcome 's thought 's in another WR LMB thread:

The postal employee reply when asked to lie: Yep, it's only during the depression and if I get caught I'm out of a job, but I am sure my family will agree with my decision..

The notaries reply: Yep, I'll do it. What's a little jail time if I get caught.

Field and Steams reply: well isn't this the most rediculous claim ever, but what the heck the readers are stupid, as are we, and it's only going to cause us a cheap rod and reel.

G. Perry's comments: well I know it's going to make me the laughing stock of the world on bass resource in 2009 but I can get this neato rod and reel. I am sure my family will think it's all worth it.

I share the same thoughts.

[Catt]

First off, Perry's fish is a myth IMO. No way did that man catch a 22 pound bass. Until someone shows me a photo of him holding a fish that even comes CLOSE to looking like "Dotty" I'm going to be a non believer .

George Welcome 's thought 's in another WR LMB thread:

The postal employee reply when asked to lie: Yep, it's only during the depression and if I get caught I'm out of a job, but I am sure my family will agree with my decision..

The notaries reply: Yep, I'll do it. What's a little jail time if I get caught.

Field and Steams reply: well isn't this the most rediculous claim ever, but what the heck the readers are stupid, as are we, and it's only going to cause us a cheap rod and reel.

G. Perry's comments: well I know it's going to make me the laughing stock of the world on bass resource in 2009 but I can get this neato rod and reel. I am sure my family will think it's all worth it.

I share the same thoughts.

Exactly  

[WRB]

The thinking that bass grow to their maximum weight and then die is only true if caught at that weight and the fishermen keeps it. Bass grow to a maximum weight, then stop gaining weight and slowly loose it as the die of natural causes or disease. The reason is they can no longer catch prey easily. Lets say that giant bass can live 15 years, then at age 12 or 13 they should be prime weight and loose a few pounds by the time they reach 15 years and die.

The world record Perry bass has been and always will be a controversy. Not because of George Perry, because the IGFA broke their own rules allowing records that did not meet the standards when grandfathering the fresh water records based on fishing magazine contests. All the IGFA salt water records have proper documentation. If we think the bass record (smallmouth & largemouth) is questionable; take a look at the musky records that change constantly. Until someone breaks the 22.25 lb record or the IGFA changes it; Perry's bass is the world record.

Bass only get to be giants when allowed to grow to their maximum size, a very rare fish in today's world.

Potential places where a new record could be swimming; Arizona, California, Texas, Louisiana, Florida, Cuba, Japan, South Africa and Mexico. Didn't mention Georgia or Alabama, no bass in the past 75 years over 17 lbs have been reported in those states, to the best of my knowledge.

WRB

[SoFl-native]

^that.

[Catt]

Texas's Lake Fork & I think they are under 75 years  

17.7 11/26/1986

17.6 04/01/1989

17.6 08/28/1990

17.1 2/26/1991

18.2 1/24/1992

[J Francho]

If it weighed the same as Perry's fish then i would agree. Regardless of some peoples doubt of the validity of the current world record.....it is still the record.

At least we can all agree that it will be broken. Its just a matter of time.

Jeez, why people get so sensitive about this....I guess the word "benchmark" doesn't mean what it used to. What I was saying, is that the newer record seems more substantiated than Perry's in my eyes. That said, Perry's record is still the benchmark, anything smaller is not a world record, anything bigger is.

:

[J-B]

Perry's record is still the benchmark, anything smaller is not a world record, anything bigger is.

:

Bingo. This statement hits the nail on the head.

If you do not like what is recorded in our current history of fishing, too bad.  Please stop complaining about what is in the past and done.  Instead, focus on catching the new record so that you can have it documented by today's standards.   Then we will have somebody new to pick on.  

[WRB]

Texas's Lake Fork & I think they are under 75 years

17.7 11/26/1986

17.6 04/01/1989

17.6 08/28/1990

17.1 2/26/1991

18.2 1/24/1992

Included the Lone Star state of Texas. Where do you think the next Texas record bass will come out of?

WRB

[Bass_Akwards]

First off, Perry's fish is a myth IMO. No way did that man catch a 22 pound bass. Until someone shows me a photo of him holding a fish that even comes CLOSE to looking like "Dotty" I'm going to be a non believer .

George Welcome 's thought 's in another WR LMB thread:

The postal employee reply when asked to lie: Yep, it's only during the depression and if I get caught I'm out of a job, but I am sure my family will agree with my decision..

The notaries reply: Yep, I'll do it. What's a little jail time if I get caught.

Field and Steams reply: well isn't this the most rediculous claim ever, but what the heck the readers are stupid, as are we, and it's only going to cause us a cheap rod and reel.

G. Perry's comments: well I know it's going to make me the laughing stock of the world on bass resource in 2009 but I can get this neato rod and reel. I am sure my family will think it's all worth it.

I share the same thoughts.

You lost me there Raul.

[slomoe]

He was being sarcastic..

[Bass_Akwards]

First off, Perry's fish is a myth IMO. No way did that man catch a 22 pound bass. Until someone shows me a photo of him holding a fish that even comes CLOSE to looking like "Dotty" I'm going to be a non believer .

George Welcome 's thought 's in another WR LMB thread:

The postal employee reply when asked to lie: Yep, it's only during the depression and if I get caught I'm out of a job, but I am sure my family will agree with my decision..

The notaries reply: Yep, I'll do it. What's a little jail time if I get caught.

Field and Steams reply: well isn't this the most rediculous claim ever, but what the heck the readers are stupid, as are we, and it's only going to cause us a cheap rod and reel.

G. Perry's comments: well I know it's going to make me the laughing stock of the world on bass resource in 2009 but I can get this neato rod and reel. I am sure my family will think it's all worth it.

I share the same thoughts.

You lost me there Raul.

Actually you didn't lose me, I re read it and get what you're saying.  I just looked for more photos of this world record fish and came across two photos.  One was the first and only photo I've ever seen of Perry holding a bass and one was the one with the little boy.  I stand corrected.  That fish really does look 22 pounds.  I made a mistake and now think Perry is the man.

[Catt]

Texas's Lake Fork & I think they are under 75 years

17.7 11/26/1986

17.6 04/01/1989

17.6 08/28/1990

17.1 2/26/1991

18.2 1/24/1992

Included the Lone Star state of Texas. Where do you think the next Texas record bass will come out of?

WRB

You stated no bass in the past 75 years over 17 lbs have been reported in those states, to the best of my knowledge.

I answered with five over 17 lbs from Texas

You answered Included the Lone Star state of Texas. Where do you think the next Texas record bass will come out of?

My question what the heck that mean?

Perry's bass was weighted on certified scales and verified by 2 witnesses

[flechero]

Didn't mention Georgia or Alabama, no bass in the past 75 years over 17 lbs have been reported in those states, to the best of my knowledge.

Catt,  I think he only meant Ga. and Al. to the 75 years comments.

[WRB]

Catt, I'm getting old, but I said in Alabama and Goergia...

Tom

PS; the Perry bass is what it is. His fishing partner disappeared, the witnesses were interviewed by a local reporter who was trying to validate the catch after Perry's death nearly 40 years after the fish was caught. Everything is hearsay, even Field & Stream couldn't find proof. I agree; it is the current world record.

Tom