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The Holy Grail Of Fishing: Unmasking The World Record Largemouth Bass And Its Controversial 93-Year Tie

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The world record largemouth bass is not held by a single fish, but is a legendary tie that has captivated anglers for nearly a century. As of December 26, 2025, the official International Game Fish Association (IGFA) All-Tackle record stands at a colossal 22 pounds, 4 ounces (10.09 kg), a weight that has been matched but never officially broken. This monumental record is shared between two men, separated by 77 years and thousands of miles: George W. Perry, who set the original mark in 1932, and Manabu Kurita, who matched it in 2009. This article dives deep into the history, the controversy, and the incredible biology behind the two most significant catches in fishing history, exploring the details of the "holy grail" of fishing records and the other monster bass that nearly took the crown. The enduring legacy of this 22-pound, 4-ounce behemoth continues to drive the pursuit of trophy bass fishing across the globe.

The Two Anglers Who Share the World Record Largemouth Bass

The current world record for the *Micropterus salmoides* (Largemouth Bass) is officially a tie, recognized by the International Game Fish Association (IGFA) under the All-Tackle category. This shared title involves two incredible catches that define the pinnacle of the sport.

George W. Perry: The Original Legend

George Washington Perry, a farmer from Georgia, set the original record that has stood the test of time. His catch is shrouded in the romanticism of the Great Depression era and remains one of the most iconic moments in angling history. * Angler: George Washington Perry * Weight: 22 pounds, 4 ounces (10.09 kg) * Date of Catch: June 2, 1932 * Location: Montgomery Lake (an oxbow lake off the Ocmulgee River) in Telfair County, Georgia, USA * Lure Used: A Creek Chub Fintail Shiner (a vintage wooden plug) * Line: Reportedly a 30-pound test line * Significance: Perry's catch was the first and remains the longest-standing major fishing record in the world.

Manabu Kurita: The Modern Match

Nearly eight decades later, a Japanese angler matched the seemingly unbreakable record. Manabu Kurita's catch from the ancient Lake Biwa brought the record back into the global spotlight and confirmed that such massive bass still exist. * Angler: Manabu Kurita * Weight: 22 pounds, 4 ounces (10.09 kg) * Date of Catch: July 2, 2009 * Location: Lake Biwa, Shiga Prefecture, Japan * Bait Used: Live bluegill * Initial Reported Weight: 22 pounds, 5 ounces (10.12 kg) * Significance: Kurita’s fish was initially heavier, but the IGFA confirmed it at 10.09 kg, officially tying the record. His catch was a *Florida Strain Largemouth Bass* (or a hybrid), a species introduced to Japan.

The Controversial Tie: Why Kurita’s Heavier Bass Only Tied the Record

The biggest point of curiosity and discussion among anglers is why Manabu Kurita’s fish, which was initially weighed at 22 pounds, 5 ounces—one ounce heavier than Perry’s catch—was ultimately certified as a tie by the IGFA.

The IGFA Weighing Protocol

The International Game Fish Association (IGFA) is the global governing body for fishing records, and its rules are strict. Kurita’s fish was weighed on a certified scale, initially registering a weight that would have broken the record. However, the IGFA’s conversion from metric to imperial measurements, combined with their protocol for certifying records, resulted in the final, official weight. * Kurita’s Official Weight: 10.09 kg. When converted to pounds and ounces, this equals 22 pounds, 4 ounces. * The Tie Rule: For a record to be officially broken, the new fish must outweigh the existing record by a margin of at least 2 ounces for fish under 25 pounds. Because Kurita's fish was certified at the exact same weight (10.09 kg) as Perry's, it was declared a tie, not a break. * Bait vs. Lure Controversy: While some organizations disqualify fish caught with live bait, the IGFA All-Tackle record allows for both artificial lures and natural bait, meaning Kurita’s use of a live bluegill was fully compliant with the rules. The tie is a testament to the incredible longevity of Perry’s 1932 record and the precision required to claim the most coveted title in freshwater fishing.

The Top 5 Biggest Largemouth Bass Ever Caught (Official & Unofficial)

The pursuit of the world record largemouth bass is a global obsession, leading to the capture of several other truly monstrous fish. While Perry and Kurita hold the official title, these other trophy bass are also part of the elite 20+ pound club, often discussed in the same breath as the world record.

1. George Perry & Manabu Kurita (22 lbs, 4 oz)

As detailed above, these two fish are the official co-holders of the IGFA All-Tackle Largemouth Bass record. The rarity of a 22-pound bass is underscored by the fact that only one other fish has ever officially been weighed at or above 22 pounds.

2. Robert Crupi (22 lbs, 0 oz)

Robert Crupi's legendary catch is the closest official contender to the world record that did not tie it. Caught from the famous big-bass factory of Southern California, Crupi's fish is one of the most celebrated catches in modern history. * Angler: Robert Crupi * Weight: 22 pounds, 0 ounces * Date: March 12, 1991 * Location: Castaic Lake, California, USA * Significance: Crupi's bass was a pure *Northern Strain* largemouth, a rarity for such a massive size, though Castaic Lake has been stocked with *Florida Strain* genes.

3. Raymond Easley (21 lbs, 12 oz)

Another California giant, Raymond Easley's bass was a true monster that further solidified the Golden State's reputation as a trophy bass destination in the late 20th century. * Angler: Raymond Easley * Weight: 21 pounds, 12 ounces * Date: March 4, 1980 * Location: Lake Casitas, California, USA * Significance: This catch was one of the first major bass to seriously threaten George Perry’s long-standing record, inspiring a new generation of big-bass hunters.

4. Mike Long (20 lbs, 12 oz)

Mike Long, another angler from the California trophy scene, landed a fish that broke the 20-pound barrier, a milestone that few anglers ever achieve. The 20-pound mark is often considered the unofficial "super-trophy" benchmark. * Angler: Mike Long * Weight: 20 pounds, 12 ounces * Date: February 10, 2001 * Location: Lake Dixon, California, USA

5. Mac Weakley (Unofficial: ~25 lbs, 1 oz)

The most discussed and controversial non-record catch belongs to Mac Weakley. While his fish was reportedly much heavier than the world record, it was disqualified due to how it was hooked. * Angler: Mac Weakley * Estimated Weight: Approximately 25 pounds, 1 ounce * Date: March 20, 2006 * Location: Lake Dixon, California, USA * Controversy: The fish was "foul-hooked" (hooked outside the mouth), which violates IGFA rules. Though it was weighed on a certified scale and photographed, it could not be submitted for the official record. This fish, affectionately nicknamed "Dottie," remains the largest known largemouth bass ever caught, even if it is not the official record.

The Future of the Largemouth Bass World Record

The fact that George Perry’s record has stood for over nine decades, and was only tied once, speaks volumes about the rarity of a 22-pound largemouth bass. However, the conditions for a new record are constantly being discussed by fisheries biologists and dedicated anglers.

The Florida Strain Advantage

The key to breaking the record likely lies in the genetics of the *Florida Strain Largemouth Bass*. This subspecies is known for its superior growth potential and ability to reach massive sizes, especially in waters with warm climates and abundant forage. Both Kurita's fish (a Florida strain descendant) and the majority of the massive California bass (which were stocked with Florida genetics) owe their size to this strain.

Prime Locations for the Next Record

While the original record came from Georgia, and the tie from Japan, the consensus among trophy bass hunters points to a few prime locations: * California Lakes: Lakes like Dixon, Casitas, and Castaic have a proven history of producing 20+ pound bass. * Texas Reservoirs: Lakes like Fork and Sam Rayburn are heavily managed for trophy bass, with aggressive stocking of pure Florida strain bass and a warm climate. The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department's *ShareLunker* program is specifically designed to track and breed these giants. * Mexico: Reservoirs such as Lake El Salto and Lake Picachos, with their year-round warm temperatures and dense forage, are currently producing incredible numbers of large bass, making them dark-horse contenders for the next world record. The hunt for a 23-pound largemouth bass is the ultimate challenge in freshwater fishing. It requires a perfect storm of genetics, environment, and a lucky cast, making the IGFA All-Tackle record the most prestigious and enduring title in the angling world.
The Holy Grail of Fishing: Unmasking the World Record Largemouth Bass and Its Controversial 93-Year Tie
what is the world record largemouth bass
what is the world record largemouth bass

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