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The 5 Biggest Bass In The World: Unveiling The Shocking World Records (Over 500 Lbs!)

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Fishing lore is packed with tales of 'the one that got away,' but for a select few anglers, their catch became an immortalized world record. As of December 2025, the hunt for the next record-breaking bass continues, yet the current all-tackle records stand as monumental achievements, some unbroken for nearly a century. This deep dive will explore the five most significant "largest bass" records across freshwater and saltwater, culminating in a species so massive it redefines the very meaning of the word 'bass.'

The term 'bass' covers a wide variety of fish, from the common freshwater largemouth to the colossal saltwater species. We've compiled the definitive list of the biggest bass ever recorded, focusing on the most sought-after sportfishing records and the undisputed heavyweight champion of the entire family.

The Anglers Who Caught History: World Record Bass Holders Profile

The pursuit of the world record bass is a quest for immortality in the fishing world. Here are the profiles of the legendary anglers who hold the most coveted records, forever linking their names to these monstrous catches:

  • Angler: George W. Perry
  • Record: World Record Largemouth Bass (Tied)
  • Weight: 22 pounds, 4 ounces (10.09 kg)
  • Date of Catch: June 2, 1932
  • Location: Montgomery Lake, Georgia, USA
  • Significance: Perry's record stood alone for 77 years, a testament to the rarity of a bass of this size. Very little is known about Perry himself, who was a simple farmer and fisherman at the time.
  • Angler: Manabu Kurita
  • Record: World Record Largemouth Bass (Tied)
  • Weight: 22 pounds, 4.97 ounces (10.12 kg)
  • Date of Catch: July 2, 2009
  • Location: Lake Biwa, Shiga Prefecture, Japan
  • Significance: Kurita's fish was technically heavier, but IGFA rules at the time required a difference of at least 2 ounces to break a record. Since his catch was only 0.97 ounces heavier, it was officially declared a tie, shocking the global fishing community.
  • Angler: Gregory Myerson
  • Record: All-Tackle World Record Striped Bass
  • Weight: 81 pounds, 14 ounces (37.14 kg)
  • Date of Catch: August 4, 2011
  • Location: Long Island Sound, Westbrook, Connecticut, USA
  • Significance: Myerson's catch broke a decades-old record and is widely considered one of the most incredible saltwater fishing achievements of the modern era.

#1: The Unbelievable Heavyweight Champion: Giant Sea Bass (563.5 Lbs)

When discussing the absolute "largest bass in the world," the conversation must shift from freshwater sportfish to the colossal saltwater species. The undisputed heavyweight champion, and the largest resident bony fish in California, is the Giant Sea Bass (*Stereolepis gigas*).

This species dwarfs all other bass records, making the 22-pound largemouth look like a minnow. The largest recorded Giant Sea Bass was a true monster of the deep.

  • Species: Giant Sea Bass (*Stereolepis gigas*)
  • Weight: 563.5 pounds (256 kg)
  • Length: 7.4 feet (2.26 meters)
  • Date of Catch: 1968 (Rod and Reel Record)
  • Location: Anacapa Island, California, USA
  • Status: The all-time largest bass by weight. The species is now protected, making this record virtually unbreakable by legal sport fishing today.

The sheer size of the Giant Sea Bass—weighing more than a grizzly bear—makes it the definitive answer to the question of the world's largest bass. This massive fish can live for 75 years or more, allowing it to reach its incredible size.

#2: The Freshwater King: The Largemouth Bass Tie (22 Lbs, 4 Oz)

For millions of anglers, the Largemouth Bass (*Micropterus salmoides*) is the quintessential sport fish. Its world record is arguably the most famous and most challenging to break in all of fishing. The IGFA All-Tackle World Record is a tie that has stood for over a decade.

The Epic Tie: Perry vs. Kurita

George Perry's Original Record (1932): Perry caught his legendary 22-pound, 4-ounce bass from the oxbow lake of Montgomery Lake, Georgia. The catch was made with a Creek Chub Fintail Shiner lure. The story is a classic of American fishing, a simple man catching a fish of a lifetime.

Manabu Kurita's Equalizer (2009): Japanese angler Manabu Kurita caught his 22-pound, 4.97-ounce bass in Lake Biwa, Japan. Due to the IGFA rule requiring a 2-ounce difference to set a new record, his slightly heavier fish was officially tied with Perry's. The fish was caught using a live bluegill, a common forage fish in the lake.

The tie adds a layer of intrigue to the record, setting a monumental 22-pound barrier that remains the ultimate goal for competitive bass fishermen worldwide.

#3 & #4: Saltwater and Smallmouth Records

Beyond the largemouth, two other bass species hold impressive world records that are just as difficult to surpass.

The All-Tackle Striped Bass Record (81 Lbs, 14 Oz)

The Striped Bass (*Morone saxatilis*), or "Striper," is the king of the Atlantic Coast and a powerful saltwater fighter. The world record is held by Gregory Myerson, who landed his giant in 2011.

  • Species: Striped Bass (*Morone saxatilis*)
  • Weight: 81 pounds, 14 ounces (37.14 kg)
  • Date of Catch: August 4, 2011
  • Location: Long Island Sound, Connecticut, USA
  • Lure: Live Eel
  • Significance: This record shattered the previous mark and confirmed the Long Island Sound as a prime location for trophy-sized stripers.

The Smallmouth Bass Record (11 Lbs, 15 Oz)

Known as "bronze backs" for their fighting spirit, the Smallmouth Bass (*Micropterus dolomieu*) is a freshwater favorite. The world record, set over 70 years ago, remains a testament to the potential of these fish.

  • Species: Smallmouth Bass (*Micropterus dolomieu*)
  • Weight: 11 pounds, 15 ounces (5.41 kg)
  • Date of Catch: July 9, 1955
  • Location: Dale Hollow Reservoir, Tennessee, USA
  • Angler: David Hayes
  • Significance: The fact that this record has stood since 1955 highlights the difficulty of finding a smallmouth that can break the 12-pound mark.

The Modern Hunt: Recent Near-Record Catches (2023–2025)

While the official records are old, the pursuit of a new world record is a constant, year-round event. Modern trophy-bass fisheries, particularly in Texas and California, continue to produce fish that push the limits of the Largemouth record.

The rise of giant bass from lakes like O.H. Ivie in Texas has kept the fishing world on edge. In February 2023, tournament angler Lea Anne Powell caught a massive largemouth on O.H. Ivie, demonstrating the continued potential of these waters to produce a new world-beater.

Furthermore, professional bass tournaments in 2024 have showcased the size of modern bass, with catches like the 11-pound, 1-ounce monster from Toledo Bend, caught by Cliff Crochet, proving that double-digit bass are still being landed by skilled anglers.

The consistent pressure from anglers using advanced technology and genetics programs in state hatcheries are all contributing factors that make the breaking of the 22-pound Largemouth record a matter of "when," not "if." Every season brings new hope for a fish that will finally break the legendary tie.

The Future of the World Record Bass

The world record bass titles are a mix of enduring history and modern competition. While the Giant Sea Bass record is likely to remain untouched due to conservation efforts, the Largemouth record is under constant threat. The scientific community and dedicated anglers are focused on genetics, forage health, and water management to cultivate the next 23-pound largemouth.

The legacy of George Perry and Manabu Kurita will only be surpassed by an angler who truly understands the science of giant bass. Until then, these record holders remain the pinnacle of fishing achievement, with their catches serving as the benchmark for every trophy fisherman in the world.

the largest bass in the world
the largest bass in the world

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