Record Largemouth Bass Celebrates Twenty Year Anniversary

Contact: Damon Abernethy,  334-242-3471
 
Size is one reason that largemouth bass are Alabama’s most popular sport fish. Alabama’s largest known bass, 16 lbs., 8 oz., was caught 20 years ago on November 3, 1987. T. M. (Thomas) Burgin caught the behemoth from a private pond, Mountain View Lake, in Shelby County. WFF District III Biologist Jerry Moss inspects Thomas Burgin’s state record largemouth bass.
 
Although a state record fish is hard to beat, the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources’ (ADCNR) Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries Division (WFF) has other recognitions for anglers. Anglers can be recognized for catching unusually big fish with lake record recognition and through Master and Trophy Angler recognition.     
                                            
Lake records are now kept for largemouth bass, redeye bass, smallmouth bass, and spotted bass from all reservoirs and state public fishing lakes where these fish are native or have been stocked by WFF. The largest largemouth bass and spotted bass from a private pond are also recognized. Since the Lake Record Program’s inception this year, most lakes have not yet had a minimum size fish submitted. Rules and applications for submitting a lake record bass are posted at www.OutdoorAlabama.com. A picture of the fish against a ruler is one requirement for lake record recognition.
 
Two sizes of large sport fish are eligible for certificates and decals: Master Angler and Trophy Angler. The size recognition can be based upon length or weight. The length recognition is important for anglers wishing to release a fish. The species considered for master angler and trophy angler are: largemouth bass, redeye bass, smallmouth bass, spotted bass, hybrid striped bass, striped bass, white bass, bluegill, blue catfish, channel catfish, flathead catfish, black crappie, white crappie, redear sunfish, sauger, and walleye. Lengths and weights needed for recognition are listed below. A completed application, available from www.OutdoorAlabama.com, is required, as is a picture of the fish lying against a ruler.
MINIMUM QUALIFYING SIZES FOR ALABAMA'S ANGLER RECOGNITION PROGRAM
 
 
Master Angler
 
Trophy Angler
 
 
Weight
Lengtha
 
Weight
Lengtha
SPECIES
 
(lbs.-oz.)
(inches)
 
(lbs.-oz.)
(inches)
 
3-00
16"
 
4-00
17"
 
50-00
46"
 
70-00
51"
 
1-00
10"
 
2-00
13"
 
15-00
32"
 
25-00
37"
 
30-00
38"
 
50-00
44"
 
12-00
27"
 
16-00
29"
 
8-00
23"
 
10-00
25"
 
1-00
11"
 
2-00
13"
 
0-12
11"
 
1-00
13"
 
2-00
17"
 
3-00
19"
 
5-00
20"
 
7-00
22"
 
4-00
19"
 
6-00
21"
 
25-00
38"
 
35-00
42"
 
5-00
22"
 
8-00
26"
 
3-00
17"
 
4-00
19"
 
3-00
16"
 
4-00
18"
 
The Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources promotes wise stewardship, management and enjoyment of Alabama’s natural resources through five divisions: Marine Police, Marine Resources, State Lands, State Parks, and Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries. To learn more about ADCNR, visit www.outdooralabama.com.