TPWD biologist says time is ripe for a new state record bass, offers top picks
Brodey Davis’ 17.06 pounder caught from Lake O.H. Ivie in 2022 is one of two 17 pounders caught from the West Texas lake over the last three years. It ranks No. 7 on Texas Top 50 list, one spot ahead of the 17.03 pounder Jason Conn caught there in 2023. Both anglers relied on forward-facing sonar, a real-time technology that helps fishermen sniff out heavyweights in deep, open water where they were previously unmolested. (TPWD Photo)
TPWD fisheries biologist Jake Norman says Lake Nacogdoches is among the list of small lakes he believes could produce a bass upwards of 18 pounds. Joe Castle landed the lake record 15.34 pounder at Lake Nac in February 2020. (Photo by Matt Williams)
Lake Conroe’s last Legacy Lunker came in 2021, a 14.25 pounder caught by Scott Stephens. The lake record 15.93 pounder boated by Ricky Bearden in 2009 ranks No. 35 on the Texas’ Top 50 list. (TPWD Photo)
Lake Fork hasn’t produced a Legacy Lunker since 2021, a 15.34 pounder caught by Tanner Spurgin. Norman still believes it is entirely possible that a fish to rival St. Clair’s 18.18 state record could be finning around in the 27,000-acre reservoir near Quitman. (Bass Champs Photo)
It never fails. Sometime around the turn of the new year, Texas bass crowds always start pondering thoughts about the next state record largemouth. It’s only natural for chatter to surface about where the special fish might be caught. And when.There was a time when it seemed like no state record bass was safe in Texas. Amazingly, the hallowed mark was set and reset six times on four di...
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