RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!!

Posted by: Greg Bilotta

RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 05/22/04 05:21 PM

I knew that Subject title would get everyone's attention!

OK, every year I pose the following question:

Where in CT does everyone think will produce a 10 lb plus largemouth? List your top 3 places and some reasons why.

Looking forward to reading the responses...this ends up being a fishing guide for the season for me.
Posted by: Anonymous

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 05/22/04 09:47 PM

1. Rogers

2. Rogers

3. Rogers

Rogers Lake in Lyme, CT right on Route 1 has some HUGE largemouth bass, plenty of forage fish, tons of cover/weeds/drop offs/reefs/docks/holes, etc...

BIG BAIT = BIG FISH

If you fish Rogers with BIG crank baits, BIG topwaters, BIG live baits you should get into 7#-10#+ largemouth without too much trouble.

Good Luck
Posted by: cabestro

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 05/22/04 10:21 PM

i read in a magazine that moodus reservoir in ct produce 10 pound bass i never been there just got directions from my coworker how to get there
Posted by: danny k

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 05/23/04 12:03 AM

the number 1 trophy largemouth lake in ct is the upper compensating resivour in newhartford and grandby. Just dont get caught fishing there. I worked with a guy on second shift and he brought in a 11.75(weighed on very accurate scale) largemouth to work one day and guess where he caught it. \:D \:D
Posted by: Tall 1

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 05/23/04 01:09 AM

Wonoscopomic
Posted by: Anonymous

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 05/23/04 01:32 AM

quassaupaug lake in middlebury. this lake has record size everything in it.i have been fishing this lake for years.i'v caught largemouth bass up to eleven pounds and fourteen ounces there before, and smallmouths up to six and ahalf pounds. the state record catfish and tiger trout were caught from this lake.eleven and twelve pound browns and rianbows are very common there to.
Posted by: Brandon

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 05/23/04 02:45 PM

I know a few gentlemen who scuba dive next to my cottage on highland. these guys say they have seen schools of bass that go well over 12lbs. Problem with highland is all the boat pressure! Gotta get out early or late for the big boys
Posted by: Jighead

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 05/23/04 03:13 PM

I think it could come from anywhere. Just need good genetics and a fish with a nasty appetite.
Posted by: FLAG-UP

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 05/23/04 03:26 PM

I agree with jighead,it could come from anywhere in the state,the problem is getting them to bite.10+lbLMB didnt get to be BIG by eating artificials.In eastern CT I'll give Amos lake and Beach pond the nod,lots of alewifes to grow fat on. Tight lines.
Posted by: Joe.G

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 05/24/04 02:03 AM

Long Pond, Beach Pond, Billings Lake...
Posted by: Huskybass

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 05/24/04 02:19 AM

Don P.,

Your Quote:"If you fish Rogers with BIG crank baits, BIG topwaters, BIG live baits you should get into 7#-10#+ largemouth without too much trouble."

While I admire your enthusiasm, Your statement is not supported by any tangible evidence. There is no such thing as an easy 7 pound plus largemouth in CT. I have caught one that big in 30 plus years of fishing CT, and I get my share of "big" bass.

While Roger's produces some nice bass, I don't recall anything close to 10 pounds being caught there. My top six picks for large bass in CT are:

Long Pond, Amos Lake, Billings, Beach Pond, Lake Quassapaug and Taunton Lake. Moodus has dropped off considerably in recent years, but produced dozens of trophies in the 70's and 80's.

Remember, a 6 lb. largemouth is a TROPHY in CT, and 10 pound bass are very seldom caught in CT.

Huskybass
Posted by: Anonymous

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 05/24/04 02:33 PM

Mike: Have you fished Rogers? I have....and I am NO LMB fisherman....have put in very little time there and have scored BIG LMB there.

I am sure everyone has there favorites.....but if this salt can catch at Rogers you freshwater LMB pros should have NO PROBLEM!

I have seen, heard and caught LMB from 7-10 #s at Rogers.

Rogers is were I would personally go.....very productive and damn close!

So when we smallmouth fishing Gardners Mike?????!!!!!!!!! \:\)
Posted by: Huskybass

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 05/24/04 02:42 PM

Don,

I was on Rogers yesterday, I know it fairly well, it is not in the same league as the six lakes I mentioned above. I'm sure that there are plenty of 3 to 6 pound bass in there, but 7-10 is a whole different category. Between Jighead and I we have caught 2 or 3 largemouth over 7 pounds in our entire lives. Even a 5 pound largemouth looks huge, and is often reported as a 7 or 8 pound bass. Look at Jighead's post from last week, he posted a photo of a 5 pound bass and asked for guesses as to weight, he got many responses that said 7 to 9 pounds.

As far as Gardner goes, it was great while you were in FLA, I'm hitting it again on Weds afternoon, if its good still we will schedule a trip ASAP. Lets get a few that look like this: \:\) \:\) \:\)

Mike
Posted by: Anonymous

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 05/24/04 02:49 PM

NICE!!!!!!!!!!!! I'm ready!
Posted by: On The Edge

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 05/24/04 03:12 PM

I agree with huskybass. 7# to 10#+ LM are just not as common as we would all like to think. Although they are out there and i have no dought that many Conn. lakes and rivers hole a record breaker, to even assume that any one body of water in NE holds a large enough population that you "should be into them with no problem" is just not realistic. Besides if there are that many large bass in one lake it stands to reason that a reacord would have come from there, or there would be reports of near record Bass being caught. Remember the fishing Grapevine is fast and furious.
Posted by: seeforellen

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 05/24/04 03:18 PM

long pond,and rogers without a doubt,use something big resembling a rainbow trout for your best chance,ive seen 10 pound plus attack trout at both places.
Posted by: Anonymous

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 05/24/04 04:32 PM

Seeforellen.....I'm done trying to convince these guys. You too? \:D More 7-10# LMB for us I guess! \:\) \:\) \:\)
Posted by: Huskybass

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 05/24/04 07:52 PM

Don P.,

I'll bet you a custom rod that you don't get a largemouth over 7 pounds (on a certified scale) this year. Deal?

For reference purposes, this is a 5 pound largemouth caught by Jighead, a 7 pounder is 40% larger. 40% larger:



Huskybass
Posted by: Mitch P.

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 05/24/04 08:27 PM

Don P.,

Worry about your quest for a 50” striper, before you take on something more challenging -- like a 7-lb. largemouth bass. Even if you employed your usual simpleton tactics – dunking bait – a 7-lber. is out of your league. And your casual talk of 10-pounders is just blasphemy. \:D

I’m upping the ante. If you catch a 7-lb. largemouth this year (again, on a certified scale) I’ll send you a cold, crisp fifty dollar bill. Deal?
Posted by: BLUECHIP

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 05/24/04 08:33 PM

wow Don this sounds like a challenge!!!!!


chris
Posted by: Anonymous

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 05/24/04 10:32 PM

\:D ...you freshwater guys have thin skin on this topic I guess! \:D ...."blasphemy" :rolleyes: \:D

So what do I have to "pay up" IF I don't get a 7#+ LMB on a cewrtified scale this season????????

Granted I would spend very little time pursuing this LMB since SALT IS WHERE IT'S AT!!!!!!.....but this could be interesting.....hell I've used 7#+ fish for BAIT in the salt! :p \:D \

If you guys just spent less time TALKING about these "elusive/sacred/prized" 7#+ LMB and more time trying to CATCH them then you would have NO PROBLEM too! \:\)
Posted by: Huskybass

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 05/24/04 10:41 PM

Don,

The wager I propose is a custom rod built by RayZ. You get a largemouth over 7 on a certified scale with accompanying photos, you win, you fall short, I win. Very simple. The bottom line is that many large bass are reported as 7, 8, and 9 pounders when in reality they are more like 4.5 to 6 pounds. Getting a 7 pound bass in CT is tougher than you realize, trust me on this.

Do we have a deal?

Huskybass
Posted by: Anonymous

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 05/24/04 10:43 PM

Hell I got nothing to lose here and it shouldn't be a problem since I plan to fish Rogers at least once this season! :p \:D

DEAL!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: Jighead

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 05/24/04 10:43 PM

Can I get in on that crisp $50 ???

Just kidding - \:D 7's are tough. I've got 3 but it took 20 years to do it and countless hours on the water. (One at dusk, one at dawn and one at 3am - that will help narrow it down ;\)

8's are rare and after the spawn, that 8 will become a 7 again when it looses a pound. It can take them all summer to put it back on.

I think Old Age - stops most CT bass from reaching past 8lbs. They're probably like a 1 in 5000 proposition. Is there a 10 out there somewhere - it's certainly possible. It's likely a 1 in 20,000 fish that is no longer producing eggs and lives a totally different, solitary life, feeding on stupid hachery trout that swim right up to it to have a look and get sucked in that giant hoover of a mouth. It's going to take a lot of luck to get that one bite, then a lot of skill to land it. She'll be a true tackle tester for sure and will know how to head for trouble to snap you off.

I'm looking for an 8 - If I can get past that mark, I'll look for another 8 - I think anything after that is a bonus.
Posted by: Huskybass

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 05/24/04 10:49 PM

Don,

I wish you well in your quest. I caught a 23" largemouth that was stuffed with eggs 2 weeks ago that was only 6 1/4 pounds at best. If you get one over 7, you will have earned the custom rod. \:\)

If not, I'll have Ray build me a new smallie rod.

Best of luck.

Mike
Posted by: willywonka56

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 05/24/04 10:51 PM

I agree Jighead.. not many fish in ct over 8. Ive heard of stories of fish over ten but never seen the proof.
Posted by: bunkerrman

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 05/24/04 11:01 PM

I've seen decent 7# + LMB swimming in the old state bass hatchery. Someone caught an 8#er there about 6 or 7 years ago. I'm not a bass fisherman, but this little pond has great potential. Bluegills are bigger than your hand with very little runtage. Huge snapping turtles in there too. I'd bet on a 7# er or better coming from there and you can cartop/canoe. Wayne
Posted by: Anonymous

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 05/24/04 11:12 PM

I read in a mid 90's Bass Masters that candlewood, and moodus are the two to fish for the big boys. Where is the old state hatchery? I've only been here a year or so, and I'm sill trying to break 3lb on the bass side. Rough state to fish.
Posted by: PaPa Bear

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 05/25/04 12:42 AM

As Don P said ,he is not a dedicated LMB fisherman but he is one hell of a lucky fisherman.You never know he might get that big one yet.Big bait big fish. He might have to bring over some of his best friends to fish with(eels). \:D
Posted by: Slammerblue527

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 05/25/04 12:51 AM

I've caught 2 7#ers a 5#er, and an 8.25#er out of a small private pond down the street from my house. Caught 'em on a big husky jerk perch color RAPALA and some on frogs.

Those bigones are very picky!
Posted by: StCroix42

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 05/25/04 01:18 AM

Back a few years, when I was 16/17, I uesd to mountain bike the West Hartford Res 4-5 days a week.

On days when they would move water, there was this one res(can't remember the #), that huge bass would just stack up in the flow.

When I say huge, I mean there were DEFINITELY several in the 9+ range.

My friends and I would just sit there, watch them and contemplate how to get a rod in there to try to catch them.(we never did though)

I realize these are ideal conditions,(very clean water/no fishing pressure)but I would have to think they're out there somewhere, where you could catch them.

Then again, I'm a trout fisherman and rarely ever fish for largemouth. What do I know.

Just like I'm sure there's a record brown somewhere in Ct, but until someone gets lucky and catches it, there's no proof.

just my 2 cents.


StCroix42
Posted by: Joe.G

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 05/25/04 01:32 AM

Big baits do not necessarly mean big fish. I have caught four LMB in the 7 lb range all on a three inch bait..One 8.6 that came on a jig which is only three inces as well. Good luck in your quest Don but it appears that Huskybass will be gettin a new smb rod.
Posted by: Anonymous

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 05/25/04 01:42 AM

Like I said...I am no LMB fisherman and rarely fish fresh, but I will try to get out to Rogers at least once to win the bet! \:D
Posted by: Speed Demon

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 05/25/04 01:45 AM

Two or three years ago a 9 plus was caught and verified out of coventry lake. I have seen fish in there BIGGER than that with my own eyes on severaL occasions. I have seen 6 pound smallies taken there as well......
Posted by: danny k

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 05/25/04 01:57 AM

how to catch a bass over 7lbs.
1. fish from 10pm-2am
2. fish a underfished bass pond that has large sunfish, not a lake
3. use a large jitterbug.
4.use 14lbtest.
5.bring a net.
6. collect $50. bucks from mitch.
Posted by: Bob G

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 05/25/04 02:11 AM

A 10 pounder came out of Long Pond within the last two years.
Posted by: JoeV

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 05/25/04 03:16 AM

Nepaug
Barkhamstead
Compensating below the Barkhamstead dam.
Fishing dusk till dawn.
Just dont get caught \:D
Old reservoir dog.Too many 5-6 pd fish to even count a few bigger back in the day when I could still out run the MDC.Now I am old and slow so I stay away.
I have caught more big fish from small ponds and reservoirs wet wading than I ever did from a bass boat on any of the better known lakes.
So can I get in on this 7 pd deal.How about if I catch it off my kayak \:D

JoeV
Posted by: RichZ

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 05/25/04 04:34 AM

This talk of Rogers and giant bass reminds me of something. Many, many years ago, (in the early 70s) I was writing an article on big bass waters. A friend of mine who is not a fisherman stopped by and saw the mountain of lake studies, catch records, maps, etc. I was using for data accumulation in those old, pre-PC days, and found it interesting. He asked me to describe the perfect lake to produce the next CT Record. I decribed the size, depths, structural configuration, water quality, fertility, vegetation profile and forage base I considered ideal. He asked where the lake closest to that combination was, and I opened the old "blue book" to Rogers Lake. I had never been there, but fell in love with it "in theory".

The next morning, I was at Rogers. And wouldn't you know it, that very first day there, I caught a 7-4! Caught it 'bulging' and old, yellow and white, scorpion spinerbait on the insdie weed edge. I fished Rogers a lot over the next several years, and never got another 7. Lots of "heavy sixes" but nary another verified 7. Caught the LONGEST bass I'd ever caught there a few years later (just under 26 inches) -- but it was all head and length and only weighed 5-1/2 pounds.

In retrospect, I've caught more 7 pounders out of Lillinonah than Rogers, and I would never expect a 10 from there. In the old days, I would have said Mudge was the best bet, but not any more it's still a great lake, but it doesn't turn out the size like it used to. I caught one a bit under 8 there this year, and it was the largest I'd caught there in 12 years.

My largest CT bass came from Winchester. But that lake has changed so much that I'd be shocked to ever see that size fish there again. In the 70s and 80s, you might only get bit 4 or 5 times a day there, but at least one of the fish was likely to be over 6. Now you it's more common to catch a snotload of little fish there than one or two big ones.

My picks for the best shot at a double digit fish -- E. Twin (the first generation or two of LM reaching 12 inches or so after the introduction of alewives in any lake show tremendous growth rates, that first generation in Twin should be 10 to 12 years old now. That's about the minimum age you could expect a 9 pound plus fish to be in our latitude, so it could happen there in the next couple years); Taunton or Quassapaug (both have lots of trout stocked to feed big bass that get ignored by the bulk of the anglers that have access to the lakes), and Wononscopomuc (the boat regulations and late start time keep the serious bass pressure to a minimum).
Posted by: Anonymous

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 05/25/04 01:33 PM

RichZ, Checked out your site. Very nice writting and info.

I go through phases in my fishing. Target trout, SMB, even biggest sunny. I did target BIG LM bass for some time. Doing some crazy stuff to produce trophies. Like dragging a 12” x ¾” wide black rubber ell like thing with a single blue fishhook in the head across the bottom of many lakes and ponds. Cast it all night long gazing into the darkness. Not the most productive fishing I have done. I would go several times without a hit. But the hits it produced were fish over 8lbs. I have also scuba dived in Candlewood a few other lakes. You would never believe what’s down there until you see it for your own eyes. Trophy fish don’t get to be trophies from making mistakes. And most trophy fish die of natural causes not fisherman. When you lock into a giant fish it’s senses have started to break down like an old person or it would have never taken your bait. Where’s the next monster from? Hell if I know. Where are trophy size LMB? In many lakes and ponds in CT. You need to start targeting them to produce some. Just casting your normal lures or sitting around watch your worm drowned isn’t going to produce a wall mount size fish. But even a blind pig can find a nice truffle. And I really HATE to admit this but bait has a much better chance of producing a trophy fish.
My biggest LMB in CT runs 9lbs 2oz SMB 6lbs 10oz. I think a couple other SMB have gone a little over that but I didn’t have a scale. All fish released so others can hunt for them. Happy hunting.
Posted by: On The Edge

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 05/25/04 02:49 PM

Huskybass I will put up $50.00 toward rod for the person with a 7lb+ LM bass.


Keep in mind guys the Conn Record LM Bass is 12lb 14oz taken @ Mashapaug Lake in Union in 1961. And pre spawn bass full of eggs are heavier then empty post spawn bass. Good Luck
Posted by: Anonymous

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 05/25/04 02:51 PM

BTW....when I do catch my LMB over 7# I will measure the length and girth, take a pic, weigh it on the scale I have and release it for another day also. I'll release it like the last one I caught! ;\) There is no need to keep/kill LMB of any size unless it is needed to control the population and stunting. Plenty of other better eating panfish out there...and even better yet saltwater species for the table.
Posted by: Mitch P.

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 05/25/04 03:19 PM

Don,

When you wake up out of your dream of bassin’ glory, let me know.

As for stakes if you don’t get the fish, I’m not requiring it. Catch a 7-lber, and I’ll send you $50. \:D

However, if you’re really confident about this fish, and want to have something to lose. How about a day on the water on your boat -- but you can’t touch a rod, only the net. \:D
Posted by: Anonymous

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 05/25/04 03:29 PM

....may as well rip my heart and soul... :rolleyes: (if I had had either) out right now Mitch.....NO DEAL!!!!!! :p \:D

Fishing trip on my boat Mitch? I didn't even know you fished!!!!!!! :p \:D

I have told the BIG LMB story of the one I caught at Rogers Lake a couple times before and it is still somewhere on this site. It was HUGE!!!!!!!! and a pic was taken...unfortunately it was by a co-workers camera and he was transferred to Turkey right after the trip and not having that pic has haunted me ever since.

No biggee though.....I'll just run over to Rogers and catch another bait... :rolleyes: er... :rolleyes: ah....I mean FRESHWATER MONSTER TROPHY FISH!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :p
Posted by: BassSlayer

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 05/25/04 03:33 PM

These conversations are great. I've heard from DEP guys who do the electroshocking that we fisherman haven't even scratched the surface of the size fish that are out there. I don't think that means our baits are going passed the nose of a meat-slab bubba sized LM every other cast, but that means they are out there. I've never seen one over 6-11 in person, but have heard of mid-7's and low-8's. I think the pond/small private lake theory holds the most truth to getting a 9+ lber. I don't think the state record will ever be broken. A fish would have to be almost 13 lbs to break that - I just don't see it happening - although it would be great. Personally I like Moodus for big bass, but anything over 6 in there is rare these days. Congamond holds hawgs as well and has the deep water and forage to support lunkers.
Posted by: RayZCT

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 05/25/04 03:37 PM

Now Huskybass, about that new smallmouth rod, did you want to start out with a St. Croix Legend Elite blank with Fuji Titanium guides?
Posted by: Mitch P.

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 05/25/04 03:38 PM

Transferred to Turkey? :rolleyes: You’re really stretching it now.

I await your evidence. Bet ends before ice-fishing season.
Posted by: Anonymous

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 05/25/04 03:42 PM

Have I told you about the one I caught "...in the Niagara Falls Area" .....(source movie The Breakfast Club) \:D

Stay tuned Mitch! Glad to see you at least TALKING fishing! :rolleyes: :p \:D
Posted by: Anonymous

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 05/25/04 03:45 PM

RayZ.....make the rod however you want.....as long as it says "Don P Master Largemouth Bass Fisherman" in the wrappings!!!!!!!!! \:\) ....and don't use any materials that won't hold up to saltwater....I could use a nice sabiki biatfish rod!

(just for clarification....that was largemouth bass....not loudmouth) ;\) \:D
Posted by: Mitch P.

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 05/25/04 03:53 PM

I see you’re back – posting in full force. God help us all.

As I’ve followed your quest for the elusive 50-incher over the years, I’ve actually routed for you.

But this quest for the 7-lber. is something else. I almost feel sorry for you as you set yourself for a sure loss. If you need a shoulder to cry on, perhaps you and Zach can get together.
Posted by: Jighead

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 05/25/04 04:17 PM

All this talk of Giant Largemouths is like a motivational speech - I gotta fish a little harder and work some better water.

Question for the scooba crew - Doesn't everything just look bigger through the mask?

I was a kid snorkeling in Buzzards Bay and came accross a fluke that looked pretty big, then I swam a little farther and found a Budweiser can that was the size of a wastepaper basket. It took the wind right out of my fluke story. \:D
Posted by: Mitch P.

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 05/25/04 04:17 PM



No comment needed. \:D
Posted by: Anonymous

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 05/25/04 04:25 PM

Next...........................
Posted by: On The Edge

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 05/25/04 04:58 PM

DonP Quote "Granted I would spend very little time pursuing this LMB since SALT IS WHERE IT'S AT!!!!!!.....but this could be interesting.....hell I've used 7#+ fish for BAIT in the salt!"

Perhaps you dont relize that catching a 7lb+ LM is not the same as catching any other kind of 7lb fish. Now i'm not Knocking your fishing skill, this is not my intension. I am sure you are a very good fisherman with some VERY respectable fish "in the boat" but Just about any body with a little fishing skill and decent tackle can land a 7 lb striper, blue etc. The challange is a 7+ LM bass. The challange is not in the fight but in locating, and getting it to take your bait. Contrary to some peoples belief it is not easy pickins. "If it was easy everybody would do it"
That is not to say they are not out there just that they do not fall for every bait put in front of them. Some people even believe that a LM bass in this area are somewhat lazy and become more of a scavenger then a hunter like younger, smaller bass. This could be one reason they are not caught very often. A bass of that size is pretty old as far as bass go and would prefer an easy "sure thing meal" over spending alot of energy searching and chasinging one. Most avid fisherman and pros only get a few 7lb+ bass in the New England area in thier lifetime.
To think you can go out with out putting much time in targeting these LUNKERS and get one when you want is just not very realilistic. If you can, i would think about going pro.
I Started bass fishing about 23 years ago and all though i am not a prow i have spent a lot of hours on the water, thousands of dollars on boats, tackle, maps, electronics etc. and only have 1 - 7lb 8oz bass to my credit and that one was just bumb luck. (caught it of my dock in the middle of the afternoon in july on a black rubber worm) that fish was getting ready to die any way. The fight lasted less then 2 mins on medinum/light tackle, and when i got to the shore it was all but dead. I tried to revive it but it just went belly up, so now it is on the wall.

I do not consider myself a great or expert fisherman, and i am sure there are alot of guys out there that have more knowledge and skill then i, but i am realilistic.

By the way my guess on the "Guess this bass's weight" was 5lb 7oz (By the way that was a nice healthy looking fish )so i am a pretty good judge of size when it comes to Bass.
You get a good sense when you have seen or caught alot of fish of a given size. And photos can be a little decieving.

Good luck anyway
Posted by: Anonymous

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 05/25/04 06:07 PM

yada...yada...yada... :rolleyes: :p \:D

You freshwater guys give the LMB too much credit! ...I know...I know...that is freshwater blasphemy...right Mitch?!!!!!! \:\)

My boat will be getting into it's saltwater slip BY Saturday so I don't plan on hitting the unleaded water too much anytime soon in pursuit of these half dead TROPHY largemouth.....but when I do get out on the fresh I will report my results....good or bad and I will keep track of my hours spent in the pursuit just for the record.

WE'LL SEE!!!!!!!!!!!!

Making you guys eat crow may almost be worth missing a few days on the salt!!!!!!!!.....almost

STAY TUNED!!!!!!!!!! Same Bass Time Same Bass Channel!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: Mitch P.

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 05/25/04 06:30 PM

After all the smack you’ve been posting about me, my girlfriend, and my beloved freshwater bass, you’re just getting your boat in the water NOW?!! You’ve got to be kidding me. You’re pathetic. Lower than pond scum.

You have no right to talk any kind of smack. I’m convinced my $50 is safe. And please, I don’t want to read the litany of excuses about why you’re just getting the boat in now, or about your Florida conquests. Just get out there in CT and have a good season Donny boy. I think you’ll get the 50-incher, but not the 7-lber.
Posted by: Zach S.

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 05/25/04 06:51 PM

[img]http://groups.msn.com/_Secure/0VQByAIUad4lfmzyemQxOLPOvfauUbz!0UbjA!pxAV9vPeON5NEkhAPUU79due3TOYMyfuU!T*582HcwmuYnEr4TPO1FyDE7a*w7YvnBVmbBmqaaAHrSLwDgUpvm8oiGZ/winter%20banquet.JPG?dc=4675469284370148490[/img] even better! \:D
Posted by: Mitch P.

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 05/25/04 06:58 PM

Freshwater allegiances run deep, Donny boy.
Posted by: Huskybass

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 05/25/04 08:31 PM

Don,

The more you babble, the more I feel confident that I will win this bet. I said certified scale, I really don't trust those $29.99 pieces of junk.

By the way, my willingness to bet has NOTHING to do with your fishing skill and EVERYTHING to do with the difficulty of the task. Maybe if I put it in striper terms, you will understand what I mean:

CT trophy Striper = 40 lbs.
CT Trophy Largemouth = 6 lbs.

You have said that you will beat the trophy minimum by at least 16.6%, a tough feat on a species that you really do not focus on. In essence, a 7 lb largemouth is about as common as a 45 or 46 pound striper. If you get a 7 lb largemouth in Rogers this year, I will gladly pay the bet and congratulate you, because you will deserve it.

One Rayz Custom built smallmouth rod coming up. \:\)

Huskybass
Posted by: Jeremiah G

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 05/25/04 08:53 PM

1 The smaller Portland quarry.
2 Waters Edge campground pond in Lebanon
3 Fitchville pond

I have seen many bass in the 8 lb range in the portland quarries b4.the water is very clear so the fish are very fussy.the smaller of the two is much better due to difficult access.

There is a pond at waters edge CG that is quite small but there is little pressure and plenty of weeds, cover ect.I have caught bass 7 + there.
I seen a guy land one about 8.

Fitchville pond has produced many large bass in the past.There is some trophy's given by the dep for bass from this pond.

There is a pond in lebanon that produced a 9 + bass recorded by the dep in 99.

I know this pond and it is private.
If you are slick enough you can fish it w/o being caught.
I have caught many 6+ out of here and seen the largest bass ever in this pond approx 10-11.

These three places have one thing on common-little fishing pressure.
Posted by: Anonymous

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 05/25/04 11:20 PM

\:D Nothing like a friendly challenge to pep up this site! \:D

Mike I don't have a scale that I have sent away to be certified. I have no intentions of killing a big largemouth just to cash in on a fishing rod....although I am sure Ray makes a wicked rod.

As I said I will catch and release your sacred LMB after I take some length and girth measurements and a pic.

I fish for fun and the challenge whether it is in the species, my abilities or from fishing buddies! \:\)
Posted by: Huskybass

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 05/25/04 11:44 PM

Don,

I never said you had to kill the fish, just weigh it on a certified scale, then put her back in the lake, it is done all the time. There has got to be a market nearby. I'll get you a weigh in bag if you need one, it will hold the bass and water. And if one largemouth happens to be taken out of Rogers its no big deal, I personally release hundreds of bass each year, as do most other bass fishermen.

I am fishing Gardner tomorrow afternoon, if it is still "on", we will plan a trip there soon. Double or nothing on whether you get a 5 pound smallie in CT this year? \:\) \:\)

Mike
Posted by: Joeseminole83

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 05/26/04 12:14 AM

Big largemouth are not that difficult to catch. regardless of where you are. The problem is that there's just not too many of them in CT. There's plenty of big fish around, I've seen a few at Mashapaug that went over 10 without a question. If you're talking strictly artificial thats a different story, but simple things like bass assassins make it very do-able. A big shiner will ALWAYS entice a big bass into sucking it down.
Posted by: Anonymous

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 05/26/04 12:23 AM

Don, I was burned by Huskybass last year on the 5lb Smallie bet, and I hate to tell you but this year is your turn!! Luckily I only bet a lure. 5lb smallies are tough!!!! The best I could come up with last season was 4-6 if I remember correctly, and that was a big fish. A 5 SM is huge, a 7 LM is a true CT trophy and a fish to be proud of...good luck in your quest!!

Enjoy that new rod Huskybass!!
Posted by: Anonymous

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 05/26/04 11:58 AM

 Quote:
Originally posted by Jighead:


Question for the scooba crew - Doesn't everything just look bigger through the mask?
Water does that not the mask.

I’m not happy to say that one of the gentlemen I scuba dived with a couple times took more than a closer look at a record category LMB. That is to say he nailed it with a spear gun along with a couple giant Candlewood football eating size trout. I wasn’t with him when he was doing his hunting (or he might have had an accident). But only saw these monsters before they were put on the grill. The LMB was at least 11lbs and he said it wasn’t the biggest one he saw just the one he could get closest to. The fish seem curious when you’re down there in the dark and come in close to explore you.

Are the prizes for anyone who catches a LMB over 7lbs?

Remember using bait in any fishing contest is not ethical. \:D
Posted by: seeforellen

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 05/26/04 12:26 PM

there is a 13 pound plus in east twin ,me and my brother saw it chasing fresh stockies all around o haras dock last year while launching my boat,this was the largest bass i have ever seen.
Posted by: Anonymous

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 05/26/04 01:04 PM

In addition to the one I have already caught a few years ago at Rogers...

I had a BIGGGGGgggggggggg LMB try to fight/EAT a ~15" LMB I was reeling in on my lunch break when I was doing some env. field work up in Tolland last summer!!!!!!!!! I may have to pay that LMB another visit!!!!!!

I also had a BIGgggggggggggggg LMB attack a walleye I had on a stringer off the side of my boat as I slowly trolled over some shallow grassflats on Rogers. She most likely struck the walleye out of territorial threat.

THEY'RE OUT THERE!!!!!!!

Now stop idolizing the image and CATCH THEM DAMN THINGS GUYS!!!!!!!! (that goes for me too) \:D

I think this 7#+ challenge/prize should be to the first CTFer who accomplishes it this season.

Starting NOW!!!!!.....so GO GET'EM!!!!!!!
Posted by: Huskybass

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 05/26/04 01:24 PM

Don,

Have you ever been to a bass tourney weigh in? I have been to hundreds of them, and I can tell you from experience that a 6 or 6 1/2 pound bass is HUGE. I really think that you are underestimating how big a bass needs to be to weigh 7 pounds. For reference purposes, here is one that weighed about 5 1/2 pounds:

Here is another one that was just shy of 5 pounds:


I'm telling you that a legitimate 7 pound largemouth is HUGE.

Mike
Posted by: seeforellen

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 05/26/04 02:59 PM

there is plenty of them,you just got to use the right bait,more than likely it wont be an artificial lure either .a legitimate 10 pounder comes out of amos lake or is at least hooked every year.i have a reliable friend that saw one come out of there through the ice years back that was close to 12 pounds.
Posted by: Anonymous

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 05/26/04 03:32 PM

Lots of talk here about fish in the 10-12 range....yet no pics. Biggest fish in the pics is "only" a 6. Lets see some pics of these big boys.

This makes me think of the pics in bassmaster on the trophy page. anyone else here think that 85% of those pics are total BS? I know that it is tough to tell size from a pic, especially a low quality small pic in a magazine, but a lot of those fish dont look big enough to claim even 6.

Bill
Posted by: Anonymous

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 05/26/04 03:39 PM

I agree Bill!

I WILL be showing pics with the tape measure alongside as well as the scale WHEN (not if) I catch THE BIG ONE!!!!!!!!!!!

Anyone here can make a 12" LMB look either 6" or 16#s in a pic.........just look at Blaine, Jighead, Huskybass, (me)etc...... :p \:D \:D \:D
Posted by: Anonymous

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 05/26/04 03:43 PM

I am NOT saying that 7#+ LMB are a dime a dozen.

I AM saying that there are more of them out there in just about EVERY body of water than apparently most of you think.

The REASON that they are not being caught is that people are NOT fishing for them using BIG BASS tactics and people are NOT thinking outside the box!!!!!!!!!

If you use the same approach as you would for catching average size LMB then guess what.....you'll catch average size LMB!!!!!!!!

This is a CHALLENGE TO ALL!!!!!!!!......think and fish outside the box and CATCH THESE MONSTERS.....THEY ARE THERE!!!!!!!!!

Just like CTF members....."If You Feed Them They Will Come!!!!!!!!" \:D
Posted by: Jon Pski

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 05/26/04 07:42 PM

My son got a 7 lb 6 oz largemouth this spring on a 3" Kalins grub.
http://www.ctfisherman.com/ubb/ultimatebb.php?ubb=get_topic;f=2;t=002974

Just what IS a trophy bass bait? :rolleyes:
Posted by: Jighead

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 05/26/04 08:27 PM

Anything that works!
Posted by: Anonymous

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 05/28/04 05:56 PM

Very true Jighead. But more than likely a trophy size LMB (8lbs and up in CT) is not wasting energy chasing down bait. See how many people here have spoke about a GAINT fish trying to eat a smaller one they had on a line. It is going after a injured easy mark. They like to eat big slow sources of food. Not to say they won’t eat a small bug. Which any fly fisherman can verify but the bigger fish do like bigger bait. And again. Nothing will work better than a real food source. I have fished in private LBM lakes that are loaded with BIG bass. Where some of the bass stocked have come from Texas and other places know for their LMB. Not hard to get one to take a 8” pond shiner since that’s what their main food source is. But it took me all day into the night before I could con one into eating rubber. So if you want the easy way out. Chuck a BIG fresh bait that matches what the food source is and sit back. Other wise get your ass to work. Finding them isn’t the hard part.
Posted by: Huskybass

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 05/29/04 01:30 AM

Don,

This one was 23" and full of eggs and still fell short of 7 pounds:

Can I order my new rod yet? \:D
Posted by: Joe.G

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 05/29/04 03:01 AM

Too much BS...No pics besides HB's and Pski's... I'm wondering when your going to start and when the deadline is. Store bought scales are trash. I have had a dozen or so over the past few years and all of them are off. Don, if you dont have a live well I'll gladly take my boat down to Rogers and escort your FISH to a certified scale...And is this bet open ended with no deadline..? Talk is cheap, get busy. And oh yeah, by the way Striper fihsing is easy. Probably the easist fish to catch.
Posted by: Anonymous

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 05/29/04 10:29 AM

Like I said......LMB fishing is no priority for me...especially now that my saltwater boat is slipped.....but I do plan on giving this a shot and SHUTTING YOU GUYS UP!!!!!!!! :p \:D

LMB fishing does nothing for me, but pursuit of BIG trophy fish of any species does!

Husky....lots of nice pics, but you REALLY have to hold those fish closer to your body because outstretched they really have no reality basis....like I said you can make a 12" LMB look 6" or 16#s by the way you take the pic.

You guys are the LMB strong sensitive type. :p \:D \:D \:D
Posted by: Mitch P.

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 05/29/04 10:57 AM

Don, you salty snake! Don’t even go criticizing Husky’s pics until we see some of yours. Keep running your mouth, and by the end of this season you’re going to talk yourself out.. Gee it’s almost June, and you STILL haven’t gotten your boat in the water. Yap, yap, yap. Type, type, type. Go work yourself into a frenzy drowning bait, would ya.

 Quote:
Originally posted by Joe.G:
Too much BS...No pics besides HB's and Pski's...
Yout tell him Joe!

Here's a pic of a tournament-scale-verified 7-lber. I caught at Beach Pond:
http://www.ctfisherman.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=2;t=000663
Posted by: Huskybass

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 05/29/04 11:09 AM

Mitch that was a great bass that you caught. I think Don is starting to realize that the task is a little more difficult than he realized. The deadline is the start of ice fishing season, and the bass must be weighed on a certified scale, no exceptions.

I've got 25 years of DEP Trophy records in front of me, they support my position pretty well. From 1965 through 1989, there were 15 Trophy Bass registered with the DEP from Rogers. Twelve of the 15 weighed 6 pounds and change, only 3 of the 15 weighed 7 pounds or more.

And Don, do you doubt that the bass in the photo above was 23" long? I assure you that it was.

Here's an awesome photo of Findbass with a 6-10 from a couple weeks ago:

By the way, Joe G. is right, any old bum can catch a striper: \:\) \:D \:\)

Huskybass
Posted by: Captain Ron

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 05/29/04 06:00 PM

 Quote:
Originally posted by danny k:
the number 1 trophy largemouth lake in ct is the upper compensating resivour in newhartford and grandby. Just dont get caught fishing there. I worked with a guy on second shift and he brought in a 11.75(weighed on very accurate scale) largemouth to work one day and guess where he caught it. \:D \:D
my friend has fished this place before and has tried to get me to go with him but its a bit risky. hes never been caught but a few of his pals have and they got slapped with a $75 fine for fishing and one for trespassing
Posted by: jonh

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 05/29/04 06:52 PM

any old bum can catch a SCHOOLIE striper. you left out a word.
Posted by: Anonymous

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 05/29/04 08:14 PM

You LMB guys are CRAZY and like sensitive old whining women.

I accept your challenge and I will try at least twice for LMB this season. If I get over 7# GREAT if I don't....oh well. I am definitely NOT wasting my time putting a lot of effort into this LMB pursuit, because even if i catch one over 7#'s....well oh well...no big woop...it's just a 7# fish.....nice for a bass.....but it just doesn't float my boat.

Any BUM can catch a LMB just like any BUM can catch a striper.

You name a fish and I'll be in the top running to land it and be competition fresh or salt......but my true pursuit is the salt.

I didn't say Husky's bass weren't what he says they are...I just think he holds them out front to appear MUCH bigger than they are...actually they all look the same....just I am sure he thinks about me holding stripers....seen one seen them all.....although I have to strain much harder holding a big striper outstretched than he does holding one of those little LMB! :p \:D
Posted by: Captain Ron

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 05/29/04 08:23 PM

 Quote:

By the way, Joe G. is right, any old bum can catch a striper: \:\) \:D \:\)

Huskybass [/QB]
did you catch that in RI? it looks like this place i know of down there where we catch big stripers...
Posted by: Mitch P.

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 05/29/04 09:01 PM

Don,

The more you post, the digger you deep. :rolleyes: Quit before you reach China.

In an earlier post, you talked as if catching a 7-lber were easy. You got challenged with some facts by others, yet you still ran your mouth. Like a typical bully. All talk. Now you decide to back down with this lameness...

 Quote:
Originally posted by Don P.:
You LMB guys are CRAZY and like sensitive old whining women.

I accept your challenge and I will try at least twice for LMB this season.
Twice? That's it? If you score with a seven pounder on only two outings, I'll double the $50 to $100. \:D

You always like to drive home the point about getting out there and actually fishing, instead of talking about it. You’re doing a poor job with regards to this one. Yap, yap, yap.

I’m not taking any of this seriously, it’s of course all in good fun. If I want serious bass talk from you, it will have to be about stripers. When it comes to the freshwater variety of bass, your contributions are pure entertainment. I await your first lunker report. \:D
Posted by: Huskybass

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 05/29/04 09:53 PM

Jon H.,

If a 34" striper is a schoolie then so be it, it was still alot of fun on smallmouth gear and 8 lb. test. I'm sure I could land a bigger striper with slightly heavier gear.

Huskybass
Posted by: Anonymous

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 05/29/04 10:05 PM

i see da feshwater bouys tat try to go catch all the fish in the sea an all the do is get sick and thy complane when the waves hurt and they are sick and they dont catch the fihs
Posted by: Joe.G

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 05/30/04 01:12 AM

No challenge in striper fishing. Last one I caught in Dec. 45" 42 lbs at the Norwich Harbor on 8 lb test..I've fished stripers my entire life and have to say it is fun but lacks challenge...Little to figure out as oppossed to bass fishing...There are so many variables with bass fishing..Try some tourneys and you'll see. I'll be glad to go head to head with anyone in the Thames regarding stripers..
Posted by: fisherman4

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 05/30/04 01:31 AM

But we all know one fish tougher to catch then the freshwater bass is of course the walleye. \:D :rolleyes:


-Evan
Posted by: Huskybass

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 05/30/04 01:46 AM

Joe G. bringing it strong!

I enjoy it all, especially albies and smallmouth. Stripers and largemouth are fun but not quite the same. Don P., no hard feelings on this end. Having fished with you, I know you are very skilled and experienced, have a great season.

This thread has deteriorated badly, and I'll take the blame. Time for the chumpot!

Huskybass
Posted by: Anonymous

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 05/30/04 08:23 AM

Naw leave it. I'm enjoying realities. :rolleyes:
Posted by: Joe.G

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 05/30/04 12:19 PM

LOL...it is fun...Looking forward to those albies..
Posted by: willywonka56

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 05/30/04 01:03 PM

This thread shouldve been named SALT VS FRESH. Every salt man i know has something bad to say about fresh and every fresh man has something to say about salt but saying you can go fishing 2 times for largies and get a 7 is crazy.Lets get real.Thats like me saying im gonna go to the sound 2 times and get a 50 plus striper in those 2 trips. Its just not gonna happen but probably more of a reality than fishing for Largemouth twice and getting a seven. Good luck Don p!! Your gonna need alot of it. :rolleyes:
Posted by: Frank

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 05/30/04 01:23 PM

 Quote:
Originally posted by willywonka56:
This thread shouldve been named SALT VS FRESH. Every salt man i know has something bad to say about fresh and every fresh man has something to say about salt
Don't go there!

Generalizations like that cause problems and for the most part this has all been in good fun. I trust Mike and he says you're a good guy but don't turn this against an "us against them".

You guys should have just stated to Don how easy a 50" striper is to catch. Then you would have REALLY seen Don at his controversial best!
Posted by: willywonka56

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 05/30/04 01:38 PM

Frank, I didnt say anything wrong i think. If i offended you i apologize. I just read that whole thread and it just seemed as if the fresh guys were stateing thier points as well as some salt fisherman. What i said was not meant to cause people to argue in any way sorry you took it that way. As you saying " Dont go there" it already was there i just commented on it. I know it was all in good fun.
Posted by: Huskybass

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 05/30/04 01:54 PM

If its fresh v. salt, I'd be fighting myself. As much as I love fishing for smallmouth, I'd rather catch 1 albie than 25 smallmouth. Its all good.

Huskybass
Posted by: slacktide

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 05/30/04 02:11 PM

I was with a guy a few years back that bagged a 7+ pound SMALLY out of candlewood (the thing could have eaten the 6+ he had mounted in his office! ) He released it, almost in dis-belief!! AMAZING bronzeback, (bested my biggest of the day by 5lbs!)
This guy has been bass fishing his whole life & never saw a smallie like that before (or since!).
I love the salt, but you have to give credit where credit is due. My biggest largemouth was 5-5 on a digital scale & that was a HORSE on light gear.
Posted by: Joe.G

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 05/30/04 02:50 PM

 Quote:
Originally posted by Frank:
 Quote:
Originally posted by willywonka56:
This thread shouldve been named SALT VS FRESH. Every salt man i know has something bad to say about fresh and every fresh man has something to say about salt
Don't go there!

Generalizations like that cause problems and for the most part this has all been in good fun. I trust Mike and he says you're a good guy but don't turn this against an "us against them".

You guys should have just stated to Don how easy a 50" striper is to catch. Then you would have REALLY seen Don at his controversial best!
50" Stripers are easy to catch.
Posted by: Anonymous

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 05/30/04 03:15 PM

VS

Where


It's a fish. :rolleyes:
Posted by: Joe.G

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 05/30/04 03:21 PM

Really Bh...Duh.....lets just say there as common as 7 lb LMB's....I've caught a 50" striper...Not a 50 lber...but have managed a 48 lber...
Posted by: Anonymous

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 05/30/04 03:23 PM

I've caught neither. Striper tastes better.

Duh, what's duh?
Posted by: Joe.G

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 05/30/04 03:42 PM

I thought strippers tasted better myself...DUh,,,is the state of being in which one thinks he can catch a 7 lb LMb in two attempts...
Posted by: waterbanshee

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 05/30/04 03:52 PM

Well if Don can't do it I will. Lost one in the seven pound range yesterday \:o
Posted by: Anonymous

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 05/30/04 05:07 PM

I just asked my sixteen year old. He seemed to understand. Must be an adolescent thing.
Posted by: Conrad G.

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 05/30/04 05:09 PM

Don got that 7lber this morning..I`ll let him tell you about it \:D \:D
Posted by: Anonymous

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 05/30/04 05:13 PM

Don't go there! :rolleyes:
Posted by: BLUECHIP

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 09/14/04 08:08 PM

Hey Don.... Did you get the record yet?
Posted by: panheadjon

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 09/14/04 08:53 PM

in your mind!
Posted by: TMK

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 09/14/04 10:32 PM

I have caught one bass over 8lbs in 22 years of fishing in connecticut. and it took me till this year to get it \:\)

I would still have to put lake Saltonstall on the list of lakes that CAN hold the very rare 10lb fish. even though its a shadow of its former days for bass fishing.
Posted by: Anonymous

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 09/15/04 07:04 PM

what would I use to catch a 10 pounder if it was out there.. like something resembling a trout would be....
Posted by: Greg Bilotta

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 09/15/04 07:40 PM

Yes, probably a bridle-rigged 13 inch trout...or a huge lip-hooked live sunfish.

Something big.
Posted by: Anonymous

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 09/15/04 07:55 PM

Stick with the sunnies and LEAVE MY TROUT ALONE!! \:D
Posted by: BigBill

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 09/15/04 09:40 PM

yawn.
Posted by: MarkO

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 09/16/04 02:33 AM

BigBill, Maybe a little more enlightenment?

You say, and I quote "its just no one fishes them". Besides resevoirs were might these lakes be?

The extremely curious, Mark
Posted by: Greg Bilotta

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 09/16/04 12:47 PM

I'll be honest, Bill, your post made me laugh. Please enlighten us about these secret waters...

As for secret waters, when I went to college in Ohio, the biggest LMB's were caught at gravel pits near construction sites that had warm waters. Are there any of those in CT?
Posted by: BigBill

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 09/16/04 01:23 PM

yawn
Posted by: Greg Bilotta

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 09/16/04 01:37 PM

WHERE? This is getting funnier.
Posted by: BigBill

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 09/16/04 01:39 PM

yawn
Posted by: Huskybass

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 09/16/04 02:21 PM

BigBill,

Do you have a photo of the 10 pound bass that you can share with us? My personal best is 7 pounds, but I would love to change that. The biggest bass I have ever seen caught was 8-7, from a honey hole in massachusetts.The same guy caught a 10 3/4 lber back in 1995 from the same lake.




Thanks in advance,

Huskybass
Posted by: Greg Bilotta

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 09/16/04 02:22 PM

Interesting, Bill. Give me some hints...it's small water, right? No gas motors? Give me a hint...
Posted by: Anonymous

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 09/16/04 02:49 PM

Not one mention of Bantam Lake? I've got some (realistic) 5-6 pounders out of there, and I know there are some monsters, why no mention? Not aying it is the lake but I think it deserves at least a mention?

Lets keep in mind that the majority of people/fishermen and thier stories are grossly exaggerated!!
Posted by: BigBill

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 09/16/04 02:52 PM

yawn
Posted by: Anonymous

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 09/16/04 02:59 PM

Is it just me or does the guy in that above pic look like the older brother from wierd science???!!1
Posted by: BassSlayer

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 09/16/04 05:17 PM

Yeah, he does look like Chet from Wierd Science.

BigBill, we can only believe what you say, but you're saying you've caught a 10lber and the next biggest being 6. You've never caught any between those two weights, it seems to me like you must've slayed a 7 or an 8 in all your trips at somepoint.
Posted by: BigBill

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 09/16/04 07:28 PM

yawn
Posted by: Jeremiah G

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 09/16/04 08:50 PM

There are definately 13 lb + bass in CT.You have got to find a place that can physically produce a fish that big with little to no fishing pressure.

I know a few places that have little to no fishing pressure that I beleive can produce a fish that big.These places have difficult access,no launch,private ect.

When I was younger I lived near Savin Lake in Lebanon.I used to sneak in there at night and the ponds near it before it was open to the public.
At the time it was private (no pressure) 5,6,7's were easy to come by.There was a guy that used to do the same as me and I would see his slick self quite often.I helped him nearly land a bass that I thought to be in the 10-11 range,I nearly had it lipped.

A year or two later it was opened to the public and I heard from a few locals and people at Lebanon Sports that a 14 lber was caught out of there the day after it was open to the public.I have never seen proof but,the point is this is the kind of place that would produce a fish that big.Now it is hard to come by a 2 lber in there due to all the pressure and kept fish.

A lot of people will see a 5 and think it is a 7.Maybe the guy had a 10 and thought it was 14.
I was told that there was an article and picture of this fish in the paper.This would of been about 99'.Does anyone in the area remember this ? There was a bit of hype about this at the time.
Posted by: Greg Bilotta

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 09/16/04 09:38 PM

Don't be silly...I love you enthusiasm. I want more! List where you think are the best lakes or ponds for trophy size bass.
Posted by: MarkO

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 09/17/04 02:01 AM

No need to apologize Bill. Alot of us have been pursuing bass a long time and a ten pounder normally rouses suspicion. Good to get the troops fired up once in a while, although this will probably go over better in mid February.

Mark
Posted by: Greg Bilotta

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 09/17/04 03:10 AM

Jeremiah -

You named 1 place...anywhere else you think produces a new record fish? LIST.

Thanks!
Posted by: BigBill

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 09/17/04 10:45 AM

yawn
Posted by: MarkO

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 09/17/04 10:27 PM

BigBill, Let's make it a point to fish together next year.

MarkO
Posted by: MarkTheShark

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 09/17/04 11:50 PM

15lb class!?!?!? ;\) ;\) ;\) :rolleyes:

Are we still on about northern strain largemouth?
Posted by: arlow

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 09/18/04 12:52 AM

Why not? The Mass state record is 15 lbs 8 oz. If it possible in Ma it is possible in Ct I would think.
Posted by: BigBill

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 09/18/04 11:51 AM

yawn?
Posted by: MarkTheShark

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 09/18/04 03:27 PM

BigBill, When you catch a 15lb'er in CT, go check it on a set of tested scales, then release that 7lb'er so it has a chance of growing to a genuine 15lbs. :p
Posted by: BigBill

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 09/18/04 05:49 PM

Yawn
Posted by: Greg Bilotta

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 09/18/04 08:34 PM

BigBill - Are you seriously going to make that claim and not tell us where it was? Come on, I really doubt everyone will flood the shorelines or take their boats/canoes to that body of water.
Posted by: MarkO

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 09/18/04 09:16 PM

Greg, In all seriousness, people will. When I started posting about Mudge a few years ago it didn't have much of an impact. My reasoning was that the site was young and not to many anglers new about us.

In the past year with RichZ showing some spectacular catches and with the site growing in leaps and bounds, the number of boats on the lake has easily doubled, even during the week.

The good thing is that alot of folks don't know how to approach that lake and there for catch the usual suspects in the usual places.

If you are a man of your word and can keep a secret I'm sure Mr. Bill, OOOHHH NNNOOOOO, will be willing to take you to a few spots. We just can't be shouting from the highest mountain where the catch came from. And if his techniques, times and places pan out like I believe they will then we could not only become better anglers but might in all reality catch a new state record or come close. Wouldn't that suck, ha ha ha.

MarkO
Posted by: Frank Fish

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 09/18/04 09:17 PM

Comon' Now Guy's I know I'm a Newbie but if He's going from the Shore and he said where it was, none
of you would go there??? IE: Don P who really needs a big Bass, Husky Bass , JimFish,MarkO , Yea and even me just to name a few, who wouldn't for a chance at a Nice Bass I'm not claiming to catch a record just a 7# Plus would be nice Don't ya think.
Posted by: Frank Fish

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 09/18/04 09:38 PM

For the Record the Mass. LMB was 15 pounds 8 ounces
Caught threw the ICE in 1975. Yes it was almost 30 yrs. ago but it at least shows it's posible
Posted by: Riverwader

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 09/19/04 04:14 PM

Boy guys I think by listoning to you chat that some of my smallmouth out of the river in enfield are alot smaller weight wise than I thought. Biggest I have caught is 21inches...the thing looked ancient! I thought it might be 6 plus #s...guess I may have been off alittle...oh well I still love to catch um even if they are only 1#ers don't here much chatter on here about northern Ct river ( Enfield area) . Its a very nice part of the river...red ledge/rock bottom and very fishable with or without boat. Kings Island on the west side you can wade across from one side to the other and if the fish are not biting you can explore the island and carve your initials in a tree God I love that river!!
Posted by: Frank Fish

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 09/19/04 06:15 PM

:p I hear you Riverwader I was in hartford for the B.A.S.S. Turney that Roland Martin Won and the Small Mouth at that Final weigh in were awesome!!! The average was 3 1/2 to 3 3/4 # Ken Cook had nothing but praise for the Fisherie and how the CT River had come back from what he'd been told of it's History :p
Posted by: Greg Bilotta

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 09/19/04 07:56 PM

I guess everyone's right. I've just never personally witnessed a surge in fisherman at lakes/ponds from the site's influence. Granted, I haven't been to the hotspots that often.

I forget there are several thousand people on the board!
Posted by: Frank Fish

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 09/19/04 08:51 PM

Greg not only a surge in Fishermen/women but also the same ideas on where to fish, Today I went to Powers with my Kid and it looked like a tournament, had to be at least 8 BassBoats covering every shoreline,Point,weedline etc. Same thought shallow reletivley warm 71.5' and somewhat shelterd from the heavier gusts of wind.
But no Bass for us not even a toothy critter which is good when nothing else hits
Posted by: Huskybass

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 09/19/04 09:35 PM

Frank Fish,

The area where the 15-8 came from in MASSACHUSETTS has an amazing forage base of herring, we don't have anything comparable here in CT. I just think that gives Mass a little edge on truly big bass over CT. That 15-8 bass was the largest northern strain largemouth ever caught I believe. Nevertheless, I'd love to see a bunch of 10 plus bass in CT, especially if I was lucky enough to catch and release one.

Huskybass
Posted by: Frank Fish

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 09/19/04 10:16 PM

I hear Ya Huskybass, I don't think the 15/8 was fortunate enough to be released. but through the ICE gives the angler the advantage I'd say even though I've never done it. My personal best was a 4+ at messerschmitts back in 97 and that was just Luck, Pitchin to isolated pads. I thought that was pretty good only being about 2yrs.+ after the damn repair.
Posted by: Frank Fish

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 09/19/04 10:34 PM

Hey Husky I've got a question for you, Now I've had these 2 spinner Baits for quite a few years now and have never seen them anywhere else got them at Pauls Custom Tackle back in the Mid 80's called a ShortArm if I remember right anyone still making those? The Jighead section is actually Longer than the Standard about where a Trailer Hook would end up, They've caught quite a few Bass for me over the years.
Posted by: RayZCT

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 09/19/04 11:04 PM

I also read that the 15-8 from Mass was the largets bass caught north of the Mason/Dixon line and I agree with Husky about the forage base. Just look at the California fish, it's the trout forage base of these lakes that has created the monstors, not the climate. with few holdover trout in CT lakes and no real major trout lake spawning where bass could gorge themselves on an annual eating spree, it ain't going to happen here.

Maybe if we dig a canal to the ocean for places like Moodus and Amos we too can get a herring run.
Posted by: BigBill

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 09/20/04 12:09 PM

yawn
Posted by: Huskybass

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 09/20/04 09:55 PM

Frank Fish,

The spinnerbait you are describing sounds like a Stan Sloan Short Arm Aggravator. I believe bass pro shops sells them.

BigBill,

I would love to believe that there are many 10 plus largemouth in CT. It seems that every year, I hear about 1 or 2 being caught. I was given 25 years of DEP trophy records ranging from 1965 to 1989. The vast majority of trophy largemouth bass registered with the DEP are 6 pounds. There are a fair amount of 7 pound bass on the list. Bass over 8 pounds are relatively scarce, and 9's, 10's and 11's are present but very few and far between. I once saw an 11-4 largemouth that was mounted. It was caught in the Moodus reservoir in 1974, a truly impressive fish. I wish you well in your quest for trophy bass. I would love to see photos of any that you catch.

Good fishing,

Huskybass
Posted by: Frank Fish

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 09/20/04 11:21 PM

Huskybass, that 11/4 wouldn't happen to have been the one in Paul's that he caught would it?
I used to look at that thing every time in his shop and wonder what it be like
Posted by: MarkO

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 09/21/04 12:04 AM

BigBill, You're on!

MarkO
Posted by: BigBill

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 09/21/04 04:07 PM

yawn
Posted by: Stormshadow

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 09/21/04 04:22 PM

I've seen bass eat some pretty amazing things. Nice perch on a makeshift monofilament stringer---gone---large snakes--bluegills are even easier....
Posted by: Huskybass

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 09/21/04 05:01 PM

Frank,

Thats the same bass I saw mounted, he had it at a Fishing Show at the Civic Center a few years back. I was amazed at how wide the fish was from its back to its belly. The girth was far more impressive than the length.

Mike
Posted by: Jighead

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 09/21/04 05:27 PM

FYI on skin mounts - Way back when I worked for CT Taxidermy Specialists, I learned a few things about skin mounts. I'm not criticizing this specific mount without seeing it, but thought that inquiring minds might want to know.

If in fact the mount you are talking about was a skin mount, keep in mind that you are working with a skin that is really no different than a wet towel at that point. It's up to the artist then to make it look like a bass again and maintain proper proportions. Length and especially girth, can come out different than the actual measurements. If the seam on the back side of the fish is left open a bit, you can add girth to the fish. (trust me - I left mine open a bit ;\) ) and you can easily make a fish look thicker than it was.
Posted by: Huskybass

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 09/21/04 05:32 PM

Walt,

I hear you, but to be 11-4, there better be some GIRTH!

Huskybass
Posted by: Frank Fish

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 09/21/04 10:09 PM

I'd been out of the Fishing game for a while and was sad to hear he wasn't in westbrook anymore, He sold the place and went to Florida I think, Someone else bought it but they specialize in Saltwater, very little Fresh gear in the Store.
Anyway that was some Bass but I think todays FiberGlass Repo's look a lot Better but it also helps to have a good photo for the proper colors and shading
Posted by: Huskybass

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 09/22/04 05:31 PM

I was given copies of all the CT DEP Trophy fish records from 1965 through 1984 as well as 1985, 1987, 1988 and 1989 for all species. I realize that the data is from some time ago and that many trophy (OVER 6 POUND) largemouth bass are not registered with the DEP. I offer the following summary solely for informational purposes based on the data I was given:

Total Trophy Largemouth Bass over 6 pounds caught during those years: 1179

Of those 1179 Trophy Largemouth Bass, here is what comprises those totals:

6 pounds and over, but less than 7: 765 (65%)

7 pounds and over, but less than 8: 242 (26%)

8 pounds and over, but less than 9: 83 (7%)

9 pounds and over, but less than 10: 14 (1%)

10 pounds and over, but less than 11: 2

11 pounds and over, but less than 12: 1

12 pounds and over: 0

The data suggests that 91% of the trophy largemouth bass caught and registered in CT are under 8 pounds and that 98% of the trophy largemouth bass are under 9 pounds. Registered bass over 9 pounds only make up about 1.5% of the total.

My take on this is that the data suggests that verified largemouth of over 8 pounds are very tough to come by, and that 9, 10 and 11 pound bass caught in Connecticut waters are truly the bass of a lifetime.

I wish everyone well in their quest for trophy bass. I'd love to see more 9, 10, and 11 pound bass caught and released. It only takes one cast with the right bait into the right spot, at the right time...


Huskybass
Posted by: BlueFox

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 09/22/04 05:45 PM

Bookworm. :rolleyes:

:p
Posted by: BassSlayer

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 09/22/04 05:59 PM

That makes sense. I will be shocked if I see that state record broken in my lifetime. It would be great though. Look at the frequency in which a 10+ lber is caught - I'd be willing to bet it's about less than one per year (at least according to this data), that tells you that a 10lber is exceptionally rare. Yes, I'm sure some aren't reported, but if you look at this data you'd be hard pressed to disagree that the chances of a fish close to 13lbs being slayed in CT are about 1 in a million.
Posted by: Huskybass

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 09/22/04 06:06 PM

Bluefox,

I just love to analyze data, and I was fortunate enough to be given all this stuff by someone at the DEP. Data like this helps put in perspective how nice a 7 3/4 pound bass like the one Findbass caught a few weeks ago really is, since I thinks its safe to assume that less than 1% of the bass caught in Connecticut are 6 pounds or over, and 7 3/4 pounds is more than 25% larger than a 6 pounder.

OK guys, lets see some photo's of 8's, 9's 10's and 11's to show that they are far more common than the DEP data suggests. Also, a PM as to where you caught it would be appreciated. \:D

Huskybass
Posted by: BlueFox

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 09/22/04 06:08 PM

Just messin with ya Husky. I like to play with numbers too...puts things in perspective and dispells rumor....love it.

I would be ecstatic to be one of those 1179!!!
Posted by: BigBill

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 09/22/04 07:18 PM

yawn
Posted by: Huskybass

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 09/22/04 07:27 PM

BigBill,

I never said there weren't out there, I simply said here is what the reported data is from 1965 through 1989. Twenty four years of data gives a pretty good overview on the size of trophy bass caught in CT. As an aside, there are hundreds of largemouth photos in the CTF photo gallery, and the largest so far this year is 7 3/4 pounds. I'd love to see photos of some 8's, 9's and 10's. PLEASE take some photos of your next monster bass, we would all love to see the photos. I am not questioning your skill or opinions, I'd just love to see some photos of 8's, 9's, 10's and 11's from CT. I have seen mounted 10 and 11 lbers, and they were magnificent fish.

Huskybass
Posted by: BigBill

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 09/22/04 08:05 PM

yawn
Posted by: Jighead

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 09/22/04 08:19 PM

We're missing a lot of fish that aren't reported, but that won't likely change the ratio's we see in the DEP numbers. For every 7 that went unreported - there are 50 more 6's that were not reported either. The numbers are what they are and pretty hard to argue with I say.

I hope for an 8 some day, but haven't even lost one yet. Anything bigger than that is a bonus.

While my hats off to anyone touching a 10 - I'd be willing to bet my hat, that they don't do it very often. If someome can even do it twice, for that matter, it would be even more impressive. Unless they are on some really special piece of water somewhere, it's a needle-in-a-hay-stack proposition. I'll keep looking too, but it will likely not happen for me either, so I won't stress over it. It won't be from lack of trying, just simply because we are very few out there in my opinion.

Can someone get a look at the DEP elecrto shocking numbers ? I'll bet they don't have any 10 either and my money would be on them to do it before any of us do.
Posted by: Huskybass

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 09/22/04 08:33 PM

Walt,

I have been told by DEP personnel that a 10 plus was shocked in Billings in the mid to late 90's and that a 9-8 was shocked at Gardner 2 or 3 years ago. I agree that bass of this size are out there, and can be caught. However, I also agree that there are very few of them out there.

The DEP now has a Trophy program for catch and release based on length. Largemouth must be 22" or more with an accompanying photo and affadavit to qualify. I hope that this new category results in us seeing more trophy bass registered.

Huskybass
Posted by: BigBill

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 09/22/04 08:57 PM

yawn
Posted by: RayZCT

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 09/22/04 10:11 PM

Bill, I don't think that will happen, if your favorite spot is a public accsess lake, people are allready fishing there, you've just been the lucky one. If your favorite spot is a private lake that you happen to have access to, the public doesn't so what's the problem. If it's a private lake that you do not have access to but do anyway, well what can we say.

Tight lines.
Posted by: BigBill

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 09/22/04 10:44 PM

\:D
Posted by: RayZCT

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 09/22/04 11:39 PM

Most of CT lakes that are public and would hold trophy size bass also have slot limits where fish under 12" can be kept, so those guys may not be taking bass illegally. As suggested on other threads, get their license plate # and report them on the DEP Tip line.

And congratulations on catching those monsters that no one else can manage to find.

Tight lines!
Posted by: BigBill

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 09/23/04 01:24 AM

;\)
Posted by: RayZCT

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 09/23/04 01:43 AM

BigBill, on some lakes you CAN take them if they are less than 12". For instance, Moodus has a 12-18" slot limit, no fish betweeen those ranges and I think only 1 over 18 but all you want under 12.
Posted by: BigBill

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 09/23/04 09:23 AM

RayZCT Our great goverment did a survey on fishing God only knows how much it cost us only to tell us to puit the big fish(spawners) back and take the smaller fish so we getting a higher rate of spawning all the time. Which makes sense to me. But I still think a full year of catch and release only could make a big difference too. BigBill
Posted by: Jighead

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 09/23/04 12:37 PM

BigBill - Every pond or lake would have to be accessed individually before any regulations can be put in place to improve a specific fishery. 100% C&R will likely do more damage than good in many lakes. There are lots of lakes that currently need smaller fish removed in order to improve the fishery. Lakes with so many bass or panfish, that they are stunted, and do not grow normally.

I also once read a article about stocking a bass pond. It exlained what quantites, of which fish, you needed to achieve an optimum growth rate - but what I remember most about that article, was that it said - do not introduce Crappie as they over compete with small bass. Crappie reproduce at a significant rates. Big females will lay 10,000 eggs. My point is, a bucket of crappie here and there, or removing over abundant sunnies for that matter, is in reality a good thing in a lot of places. However, it's important that we know the specific needs of any particular lake first before doing so.

And - thanks for the pep-talk, but I already fish long, fish hard, stay focused and stay motivated. I know many of the lakes I fish like that back of my hand. After 25 years fishing some of them, I can draw you a topo map off the top of my head. I'd be happy with an 8 since I've caught some 7's, but I still say, anything above 8 is a bonus.
Posted by: BigBill

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 09/23/04 02:46 PM

Jighead Thanks for the info on the crappies I hope they will continue to reproduce to feed the bigger bass. Maybe its ok that so many people take fish out. I just hate to see bucket fulls going then if i try to fish for crappies there are none to be caught and lesser in numbers and size every year after this guy fishes and cleans them out. One other guy told me he is stocking another place with them. One of my spots I was told by an ice fisherman there was a winter kill a few years ago during a very cold winter when the ice was very thick. He told there were big bass frozen in the ice all over were he shoveled the snow off to drill and set up his stuff. He said you wouldn't believe all the many numbers bass frozen in the ice. I guess nature has a way of monitoring itself to control the fish populations. I guess it can slow a place down too for a few years too. I'm never happy with what i catch even my one 10lber is ok but i know i can do better and i've seen better fish too in the water. I will notice a few times when I'm catching smaller bass and the bite is on the larger bass will just drift in and hang there to see whats going on I constantly look/scan the water while i'm fishing and have noticed this happening. Maybe the action of the smaller fish draws them out of their deeper haunts to see whats going on? This has happened on 3 or 4 occasions to me in two different places too. BigBill
Posted by: Greg Bilotta

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 09/23/04 06:45 PM

BigBassBill - That should be your new name, since you know all the trophy bass lakes and ponds. You need to change your 50% luck, 50% skill theory at the end of your posts to 90% luck, 10% skill.
Posted by: BigBill

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 09/24/04 12:01 AM

Greg Bilotta; Luck is for the casino and if you feel lucky we buy a lotto ticket right we don't go fishing.
Posted by: Jighead

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 09/24/04 11:25 AM

WOW - "a Dozen" is pretty lofty goal.
Let us know when you start getting close.
Posted by: BigBill

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 09/24/04 12:16 PM

\:D
Posted by: SJ Striper

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 09/24/04 01:17 PM

Back when it was illegal to even walk in there, we used to nail monster largemouths during the spawn in June up in the back of Lake Saltonstall. Does anyone fish there now? I would think that there would still be some real big bass in there.

SJ.
Posted by: Jighead

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 09/24/04 03:15 PM

SJ - It was better back then.
Posted by: Greg Bilotta

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 09/29/04 01:22 AM

OK gentlemen, here it is:

This has been an incredible string of posts! But now, the time has come...there is potentially 1 entire day left for Greg Bilotta to dedicate to all morning day and night to fishing...all I need to decide is WHERE TO GO!

Before you give me suggestions, contemplate several things:

1. Traveling from Westport
2. Will travel anywhere in search of the record
3. If traveling far from home, must be worth it!
4. Wants to break record real bad
5. Small basstender, trolling motor
6. Craving BIG BASS

Looking forward to everyone's well thought, expert advice.
Posted by: Greg Bilotta

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 10/02/04 01:34 PM

BUMP...
Posted by: MikeG

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 10/02/04 01:34 PM

I will pay $100.00 to the first person to show me proof of a large mouth bass over 11 pounds. Must have Bass in person or a picture of the Bass on a scale showing the weight over 11 pounds . Also pictures of the fish's length and girth are required for those that practice catch and release to collect. FISH MUST BE CAUGHT IN CT WATERS !!!


Time to put up or shut up \:D
Posted by: Greg Bilotta

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 10/02/04 01:35 PM

Mike - Do you own Bantam Bait & Tackle?
Posted by: MikeG

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 10/02/04 04:38 PM

Greg,I am one of the new owners.
Posted by: MikeG

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 10/02/04 04:45 PM

His & Hers Bait and Tackle will also donate a $50 gift certificate to the first person to provide proof they caught a 11 pound+ Largemouth in CT.
Posted by: BigBill

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 10/02/04 05:15 PM

\:D
Posted by: Anonymous

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 10/04/04 10:43 AM

big bill we already have something like that going its called winner take all pool we have 3 catagorys
Posted by: BigBill

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 10/04/04 04:04 PM

Do the fisherman chip in for it each year?? If we do count me in and how much?? BigBill
Posted by: BigBill

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 10/04/04 05:03 PM

If you go to trophybassonly.com there are two types of bass those with girth and those without girth. \:D
Posted by: BlueFox

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 10/04/04 05:13 PM

I am glad to see that after 8 pages of back and forth, someone finally made the suggestion of putting up, or shutting up.

I am probably one of the newer fisherman around having not picked up the sport till just last summer. I fished my first lake this year, caught my biggest fish this year, and caught my first large mouth bass this year...I am 32 years old.

I say this because I consider myself to be an outsider. I do not know that much about fishing, so I can't offer statistics or speak of past experiences. In many ways I am much like a child who makes judgments based upon their own observances. And we all know how honest a child can be...

I beleive that fishing is 50% luck and 50% skill. That is if you are maxed out at the skill portion of that. Someone likeme, it is 10% skill, 90% luck... But at best, I think it is 50/50. I don't know how anyone could argue that. You can use that 50% skill to get you into a good spot, pick the perfect bait and present that bait perfectly...but you cannot control the weather that changes a fish's eating habits, you can't pick the size of the fish that takes your bait, and until they develope the "perfect" fishfinder, you can't tell where the hawg is hiding. Experience will tell you that bass like docks and other structure, but under that dock could be a 12 inch keeper, or a 5 pound hawg...

If fishing were 90% skill... even 6 or 7 pound bass would not be as celebrated as they are. I won't even fathom about a 12 pound bass.

If someone can tell me where within a 100 acre lake ( small ), and with what bait, at what depth, on what day, that they will catch a 10 - 12 pound bass...then that will suggest to me that fishing is 90% skill. Until then...just as the sports name implies...noone knows for sure...we are all just fishing...and will need a good amount of good luck to get into a 'double digit' bass.

The last comment I want to make is that I do beleive that there could be 10 to 12 pound bass in CT. In all the many lakes, with all the docks, flats and drop offs, with all the rocks, underwater humps and stumps, with all the deep holes and places where folks have probably never fished, with all the lilly beds and weed beds...and all the many ..MANY baits, and lures and combinations and styles of fishing, I really think that it would be hard to say that our CT lakes do not hold bass that big... but I will say this in closing....

The guy that does catch one...or 12..double digit bass will have to be one lucky son of a gun. ( more than 10% lucky ) ;\)
Posted by: BigBill

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 10/04/04 05:39 PM

\:D
Posted by: Huskybass

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 10/04/04 05:56 PM

The vast majority of true trophy largemouth bass over 10 pounds are Florida strain largemouth. Florida strain largemouth cannot handle our cold winters, there are no Florida strain largemouth in CT. Of the largest 25 bass ever caught, nearly all came from Florida, California or Texas. The notable exception is the 1932 world record largemouth, which came from southern Georgia in 1932.

The largest northern strain Largemouth ever caught came from Massachusetts and weighed 15-8. There is a replica mount in the Goose Hummock tackle shop in Orleans, Massachusetts. The replica mount is very impressive.

I'm sure there are 10's and 11's in CT, but they are very uncommon. I think someone who really wanted to catch trophy largemouth in Connecticut could catch a handful of 8, 9, and 10 plus pound bass over the course of a full season in Connecticut IF that angler used large live bait exclusively and fished the right waters constantly. Just my opinion. I'd still love to see some photos of bass over 8 pounds caught in Connecticut.

Huskybass
Posted by: BigBill

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 10/04/04 07:06 PM

\:D
Posted by: FindBass

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 10/04/04 09:52 PM

I can't help but love BigBill's optimism and enthusiasm. I do believe there are some double digit bass in CT. Probably more than people would guess. However, I would think that the majority are in illegal waters. Hopefully when one is caught, it will be by an environmentally conscious angler with a camera and a ruler. I too would love to get a look at one of the fish I am so sought after. Who knows, maybe one of us could catch the state record, I could guarantee one thing.... I'll be trying!
Posted by: BlueFox

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 10/04/04 11:17 PM

Why pray to the "big bass fish gods" if it is actually skill that lands 'double digit' bass and not luck...or as you imply...faith? Know what though... It doesn't matter. I am with Findbass... I will be trying too.
Posted by: BigBill

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 10/05/04 12:43 AM

\:D
Posted by: Joe.G

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 10/05/04 12:34 PM

Who on this sight is not trying to catch the biggest bass when they fish???

BB, your post is impolite and borderlines vainness. If it is the challenge your after then fish some amateur tournaments. This will measure your ability to catch big fish and compete against other anglers thus giving you something concrete to determine your ability over an entire season.

Your philosophy regarding big fish is attention grabbing but lacks real data i.e. only one mans opinion. I do not disagree with your statement about how to catch them but they are the very basics of big bass fishing. There is nothing to speak of regarding seasonal changes, water clarities, thermocline, structure, wind, current, etc. etc. I will speak for myself only but your style of getting our attention is appalling at best.

I consider myself a fair bass fisherman who has been at it along time and I’ve caught my share of 8 + lbers and I’m sure there was a ten on once or twice that snapped, jumped and or pulled me deep into the weeds. The more you post the more discourteous you become.

Put yourself out there Bill, fish some tourney’s, this will take away the fact vs. fiction of whether or not you are as good as you imply. I’ve seen 9.10 taken at tourneys and I’ve caught them over seven so they can be had. These guys are good fishermen. I am not in the same league as them as far as consistency. To be able to consistently catch fish in any body of water on any given day measures SKILL. Not taking live bait and doing the same thing over and over and over. Just my thought Bill, there is a lot of good guys on the sight that like to fish and like good company. I’m not sure where you stand at this point with me. I’m sure you’ll have a response for me Bill and I am looking forward to chatting with you. Good fishing to you. ;\) ;\)
Posted by: BigBill

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 10/05/04 01:07 PM

\:D
Posted by: Jighead

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 10/05/04 03:21 PM

BB - In spite of what you are trying to say about big bass being out there to be caught, what you seem to keep repeating, is that the reason guys here haven't caught any yet - is that they don't know what they are doing and they are not trying hard enough. That won't go over very well here.
Many of these guys have the skills you keep mentioning and then some.

What I call realistic expectations - You call being negative.

Myself - I don't really care what anyone thinks I should be doing. I fish because I enjoy it. I fish when I can and work hard when I'm out there. For at least the last 10 years, I average 3 trips a week during spring and summer. A short fishing trip for me is 5 hours, but I have no problem fishing for 12hrs either. Certainly, I've fished a few of those special times you talk about - even if only by accident. Am I not trying hard enough? or do I just lack the skills?

Good luck in your quest for a dozen over 10 - because skill alone might not be enough.
Posted by: BigBill

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 10/05/04 04:21 PM

\:D
Posted by: Greg Bilotta

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 10/05/04 05:12 PM

BigBill -

Listen, I think you mean well...I thoroughly enjoy your big bass lore.

But don't come on this site and tell others to shelf THEIR ego's when you boast about posting pics of your next bass which will be 11 or 13 or whatever.

And do us all a favor...remove that pretentious signature at the end of your posts about we all don't 'see through the weeds', and we 'can't handle the truth'.

What are you talking about? We all fish hard and long, just like you. Don't call people out about the 'thought you guys would see the light' crap.

OK, let's move on, as you said.
Posted by: Anonymous

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 10/05/04 05:25 PM

Just out of curiosity, what would a 10 pound LMB measure (in inches, of course)? Don't worry, I'm not even a bass fisherman, but as a refference, I know of a 27 incher that weighed around 9.7-9.8 pounds. Does that seem realistic?
Again, I'm just being curious.
Posted by: Jighead

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 10/05/04 05:47 PM

Sound about right Robert. Though few people have ever seen such a beast ;\) .

BigBill - when you get to 10 over 10 write the book and I will gladly buy one to find out what you do, that none of the rest of us know how to do.

Give us a few examples of baits or secrets that only you use when you fish for BIG bass.
Posted by: Anonymous

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 10/05/04 05:53 PM

The fish was caught by Joe Kochis a month or so ago, out of Lake Saltonstall. He released it at the same spot it was caught from. A few others witnessed it.
I think you remember, he even made the NH Register if I recall correctly. 27 inches at 9.7 pounds or so. Very impressive. I spoke with him last Saturday, and I guess he will never forget that moment.
Posted by: BlueFox

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 10/05/04 06:01 PM

Wow...catching 12 ten pounders with only two hours of fishing at a time...??? We just had an tourney at Congamond with over 30 guys ( with a good handful of GREAT FISHERMAN ) who each fished for 6 hours...The results, some didn't catch any, some caught one, some caught two. Hell, some caught 5 or 6, but the bottom line is that noone caught a 10 pounder. Are you saying that none of these guys has the skill?

If you tell me the weather played a part, well that is luck isn't it. If you tell me they didn't fish the right spot, well, I would say that would have to be luck too unless you can tell me the one spot where only ten pounders go. If you tell me it wasn't the right bait, I would have to say that this would be luck too, unless you can tell me what specific bait it is that catches only ten pounders... If you can do that my abundantly skillfull friend, I will buy me a hundred of those specific lures, and fish in those specific spots, and my friend, you and I can be as pretencious as we wanna be and talk all kinds of BS together. Until then...

I am not as experienced as some of these guys... but I can see how your ranting about your ten pounder and your skill and all that other stuff, could be insulting at best. You are indicating that because they may not have a ten pounder under their belt that they are not trying hard enough, or they don't beleive, or they lack the skill.... That is a hell of a generalization to make about a good bunch of guys you never met.

You know Bill...I am new to this site as well... One thing I have learned is that this is a place to meet great people, learn some great stuff and make some good friends...you don;t seem to have done either.

So here is your chance Bill...

I am trying to put together a tournament for early November. Surely the hogs will be feeding then, fattening up for the winter. Should be a good time. Why don't you and I partner up for this tournament? It is a sincere offer. We can even go back to the shore every two hours so you can get out and stretch or take medicine or whatever. I am patient. That way, you can show all the other less skilled guys on here how it is done...and sh**, I would love to learn from you. There is a prize for lunker as well... should be money in the bank for ya!!!

With all of the great fisherman I have had the pleasure to fish with, I don't think any of them have a ten pounder to speak of, so let's go win some money. How about it?
Posted by: BigBill

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 10/05/04 06:37 PM

There ya go another big bass at lake saltonstall 9.7lbs. \:D
Posted by: BlueFox

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 10/05/04 06:41 PM

Sorry Bill, maybe I missed your response, but were you interested in the tourney?
Posted by: willywonka56

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 10/05/04 06:44 PM

Ok i have to say something and most bass fisherman on this site already know it. Ill put it like it should be said... There is no way anybody is catching 13 bass over ten pounds in one year in ct. As i myself have only been bassfishing about 10 years i have never even come close to 1 ten never mind 13 and i have fished the biggest bass waters there are here in the state with some of the best big bass lures you can get. Lets keep it real and as for you BIG BILL stop insulting the loyal members of this site by your quote at the bottom of your posts. Its getting old fast. I can see your a man who takes bass fishing seriuosly and thats a good thing but comeon man do you really beleive what your saying or you just trying to get some attention as a new member? And as for a 12 being shocked up at lakeville, does that mean its gonna be any easier to catch it and 12 of her buddys?? I think not.
Posted by: BlueFox

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 10/05/04 06:51 PM

Posted by: Anonymous

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 10/05/04 06:54 PM

Now hold on a minute: if there was a 12 pound LMB sampled out of Lakeville this year, I would have known about it. But I don't remeber such a fish being netted.
Not trying to put anyone down here, by all means. Maybe I missed it. I'll have the check on that.
Posted by: BigBill

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 10/05/04 06:57 PM

\:D
Posted by: willywonka56

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 10/05/04 07:04 PM

I never heard about that either robert i was just trying to make a point. By the way whats your thoughts on this whole thing since you do alot of the electro shocking in the state. What is the biggest bass you have ever shocked up?? And how often do you see a bass of that size?
Posted by: BigBill

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 10/05/04 07:14 PM

\:D
Posted by: FindBass

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 10/05/04 07:18 PM

BigBill,

I think your point has been made!

I agree that there are some fish in CT around 10 or so lbs. maybe even the next state record. But I don't agree with your bashing of other members skills.

BigBill believes there are huge bass in CT and thats cool. I hope he is right, but maybe we should leave it at that!
Posted by: BigBill

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 10/05/04 07:23 PM

\:D
Posted by: BlueFox

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 10/05/04 07:27 PM

Is that a NO on the tournament?
Posted by: Joe.G

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 10/05/04 07:31 PM

The end. Go get em Bill...Keep the faith....Maybe we could fish together one day..
Posted by: BigBill

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 10/05/04 07:39 PM

\:D
Posted by: Anonymous

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 10/05/04 07:40 PM

Wonka, to tell you the truth, we haven't sampled any considerable size LMB so far, and by that, I mean any specimen over 25 inches. Remember, we do not weigh them.
But each lake has its designated sampling zones, and they are adhered by every year. It wouldn't be fair to sample zones at random. The data is collected each year, from specific areas ONLY. This is to ensure accuracy and biomass of each area, among other things.

Here's an example of an average size LMB, sampled at Saugatuck Reservoir this past spring, just so you have an idea.



I don't remember exactly how much it measured, but it was in the low 20's. And this is average.
I'm not saying that larger ones don't exist, but are quite rare, certainly, we have yet to sample anything over 8 pounds.
However, electrofishing isn't an exact science. Hit and miss, just like fishing. Besides, the boat is driven along the shore, in 3-6 feet of water, sometimes deeper, but it becomes inefective under that. One reason being that we cannot see fish 10 feet down even if shocked, for example.
Posted by: BigBill

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 10/05/04 07:48 PM

I guess to see the big bass here is either to catch them or see them on the beds with an aqua view? BigBill
Posted by: Jighead

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 10/05/04 11:18 PM

Who among us has the "persistance" of BigBill? This post may never end.

PS - Georgia is in the South ;\)
Posted by: BigBill

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 10/06/04 12:12 AM

\:D
Posted by: Anonymous

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 10/06/04 12:55 AM

10 pages and 225 posts later, and we're still not getting anywhere.
Yes, there are plenty of large LMB's. Plenty of lakes that support them. You could have better results by actually fishing, instead of debating along those lines.

Look at Wonka's lunker...what a fish that is!
Posted by: BigBill

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 10/06/04 01:02 AM

\:D
Posted by: Greg Bilotta

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 10/06/04 01:51 AM

Very ironic with the Saugatuck Reservoir bass. That place could easily hold a monster record LMB. Major food sources, depth, cover, ZERO pressure.

I dream of the day I can launch the tender on the Saugatuck. Bob, do you think we'll ever see that day?
Posted by: Jighead

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 10/06/04 11:33 AM

I'm done here - I think he just likes to hear himself type.

One last thing before go.

What does a 6lb bass in the north and a 10lb bass in the south have in common?

They are both the same age and both qualify for the senior discount at McDonalds.
Posted by: Huskybass

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 10/06/04 01:19 PM

There have been thousands of freshwater reports on this site this year by very skilled fishermen and hundreds of photos of largemouth posted, yet we still havn't seen a single photo of a bass over 8 pounds. I think that ought to indicate that the 7-6 caught by Wonka, the 7-8 caught by Joe G. and the 7-12 caught by Findbass are very special fish, they ought to be congratulated for these trophy bass.

Congrats to Wonka, Joe G. and Findbass for jobs well done.

Huskybass
Posted by: BigBill

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 10/06/04 01:31 PM

Its been nice talking with you guys and i hope to have some pics soon too hey maybe you'll have some too. Goodfishing!! BigBill \:D
Posted by: Greg Bilotta

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 10/06/04 02:40 PM

Jighead -

Do you have any intelligence about exactly where the CT record LMB was caught on Mashapaug? What time of the year was it?
Posted by: Anonymous

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 10/06/04 03:18 PM

Greg, Saugatuck Reservoir has the best potential in producing trophy LMB's in my opinion. You are right, no one seems to think that way, or some may not even know the lake, but it is a sleeper. Being limited to shorefishing, and with the vegetation being so scarce, we may not see anything of considerable size.
However, the other side of the Reservoir,(from which we are not allowed to fish) looks like a whole different lake. Structure, weeds, running brooks and small coves. A totally different environement, mainly because it is natural, the Saugatuck River channel runs along the east side.

But whatever you do, obey the rules. Do not venture out and try hiking to the east shore. You will surely end up in jail. I'm just reffering to those who may be tempted to do so, not anyone in particular. Aquarion Police always patrols the area, night or day, and they do use night-vision equipment, so beware...
Posted by: Jighead

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 10/06/04 04:06 PM

Greg - Nada - I wasn't even born for another 3 years after that fish was caught in 1961.
Posted by: BlueFox

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 10/06/04 04:50 PM

Hey Big Bill, they are looking for actors to fill the role of Raymond, in RainMan 2: Raymond goes fishing. Apparenetly, Dustin Hoffman can't make it.

..."There's big bass. definately got big bass, got big bass lures at Walmart, gotta go to Walmart. Definately gotta buy my underwear and big bass lures at Walmart. Definately big bass, big bass definately weigh 10.86757464 pounds..definately...Wapner and Big Bass at 4pm..."
Posted by: Timber24

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 10/06/04 05:07 PM

BlueFox,

You are too funny! Man we have to keep this thread going all winter so I can get some chuckles now and then.

As for me, not to worried about when or where I might get a 10LB bass. I enjoy every bass over 3LBS.
Posted by: MikeG

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 10/06/04 06:18 PM

BlueFox , you just won yourself a seat on my boat !

We need to make some plans to fish together soon. I can already feel the stomache coming on from laughing so hard. \:D
Posted by: BlueFox

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 10/07/04 12:53 AM

I feel like this is one of them Roasts that they have on TV where all the comedians take turns at cracking on the host of the Roast haha...

But hey if it earned me a fishing trip..I am all for that. Can I bring Bill?
Posted by: BigBill

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 10/07/04 10:28 AM

Posted by: BlueFox

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 10/07/04 12:16 PM

And now a scene from Rainman 2:Raymond goes fishing.

Rainman(played by BigBill):Big BASS... BIG DOUBLE DIGIT BASS... definately, big bass...oh no...oh no... big bass in CT...oh no...

Charlie:(played by BlueFox)Ray.. what's wrong?

Rainman:Big bass in CT...big double digit bass..( banging head and screaming ) BIG BIG BASS IN CT..BIG BASS...BIll Dance at 4, BIG Bass

Charlie:Calm down Ray, yes we know there are big bass in CT..we know...( Rubbing Ray's back )..we know...its ok...

Rainman: (Calm) Big bass...I definately caught a big bass..definately 10.875487584 pounds, definately..need 12 more..definately need 12 more...

Charlie:Wanna dance Ray? Want me to teach you how to dance?

Rainman: Bill dance? Definately want Bill Dance..definately...

Charlie:NO Ray, dance.. Do you want to learn to dance....nevermind.

Rainman: BIg bass....definately big bass in CT.

Coming soon to a Thread near you.
Posted by: BlueFox

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 10/07/04 12:28 PM

Oh and I almost forgot ...Big BIll...
Prove it...Show me the double digit bass...
surely such a rare spectacle, cuaght by only the most skilled, warranted some pics?

Also, see if your Medicare covers OBSESSIVE COMPULSIVE DISORDERS!!

BLUEFOX OUT!!!
Posted by: BigBill

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 10/07/04 02:46 PM

\:D
Posted by: Joe.G

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 10/07/04 03:34 PM

Please no more responses on this thread. Lets let it go. Maybe the moderaters can eliminate it for us?????
Posted by: BlueFox

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 10/07/04 03:55 PM

Out of respect Joe G...

My lips are sealed.
Posted by: BigBill

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 10/07/04 04:05 PM

Yes me too!!!
Posted by: Tackleman

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 10/07/04 04:08 PM

Holy Crap!!! Doesn't everyone have a headache yet????????
Posted by: Jeremiah G

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 10/07/04 04:36 PM

Maybe we should consult Mulder and Scully.
Posted by: Anonymous

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 10/08/04 12:48 PM

This isn't long. Look at the Political thread!
Posted by: Weirdbeards

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 10/08/04 01:32 PM

Yawn.
Posted by: Lunker Master

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 10/08/04 01:53 PM

Big Bill,
I have read this thread and haven't been able to stop laughing. I think we need to look at the facts again to put it in perspective.

You wrote: Rainman(played by BigBill) I've caught one 10lb BIG BASS in CT. so far.

Then you wrote: maybe I took it for granted because my first one was so easy, maybe i just timed it right and hit the dam thing in the nose who knows but my point is there is surely many more out there than we think there is.

Seems to me as if there's a small discrepancy. You said that you caught 1 10lb hog. Then you said your first one was so easy. I have 2 theories on this. First is: if your first 10 lb bass was so easy, how come there isn't a second, or third? Sees like if you caught one, it wasn't your first, it was your only. My other theory is that you got your facts... er story mixed up. Did you catch many, or just one? We're all dying to know. This is in no way meant to be adversarial, I as well as the other CTF'ers that have read this whole thread dererve some clarification.
Posted by: BigBill

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 10/08/04 02:30 PM

Yawn.
Posted by: Anonymous

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 10/08/04 02:40 PM

You know..................I fished Bantam on Wed. and landed a nice three pounder. \:\)
Posted by: Lunker Master

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 10/08/04 03:00 PM

I guess this settles it. That was the response I figured I would get for questioning the self proclaimed "Best Fisherman in CT". Thanks for the tips listed earlier for catching big bass. I bet you could also give some great tips about telling fish stories. Seems as if you've been evasive when it comes to questions about pictures or the validity of your catch. Surely a great fisherman like yourself would want to commemorate a catch as significant as breaking into double digits with a photo. I post this message on the site in the spirit of sharing and I ask you to share more information with us all. Help us learn from your wonderous techniques. And please, answer the questions posed to you earlier. In case you don't remember: was it one fish or was it many?
I'm sure this topic is of great interest to the whole site, you may be the only hope for those of us that wish to catch a 10 lb er in CT. Share with us o wise one.
Posted by: BigBill

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 10/08/04 03:42 PM

\:D
Posted by: Dble Haul

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 10/08/04 05:01 PM

 Quote:
Originally posted by BigBill:
I did get one 10lber and I'd be happy to get "1" more I lost 3 more already.
Rhetorical question: if you lost them then how did you know they were 10 pounders? :rolleyes:
Posted by: BigBill

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 10/08/04 05:54 PM

\:D
Posted by: BASSMANinCT

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 10/08/04 06:19 PM

Reality is, a 12 lb bass is way too old to live in CT. I mean, think about how old they are at 6 lbs. It's highly unlikely we will see one, and if we do, it will be an illegal catch from some resevoir like Nepaug or Stamford Res. But a good place to catch some is just over the CT border with NY. IN the NYC Res's you have a great chance to catch over 8 lbers, and smallies over 6 are real common.
Posted by: Weirdbeards

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 10/08/04 07:28 PM

Unoriginal taboot, stealing my line. You "seen"? Dude, give up your address as I'm forwarding you one free copy of Hooked on Phonics to study sometime in the other 22 hours of your day.
Posted by: Anonymous

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 10/08/04 08:27 PM

Here's another one: some guys actually raise them. And when I say that, I mean they constantly feed them, until the fish reaches a considerable size.
After which, the person(s) in question claim to have caught them from some lake. And the rest is history.

It isn't hard to raise fish, given the right environement. Especially a warmwater species.
I personally don't know of such people, but it has happened and will continue to do so, as long as some are in cosntant search of public attention.
Posted by: BigBill

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 10/08/04 08:45 PM

There was one in lakeville 12lbs!!!! BigBill

I don't want attention and i don't feed them i'm on ss how can i afford to feed fish?. All i'm saying is we have bigger bass in CT. Whats in this for me? nothing at all i get abused no wonder why the others who catch them won't say anything at all, I'm learning!!
Posted by: Donny M

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 10/08/04 08:48 PM

Have we confirmed that there was one out of lakeville?
Posted by: BigBill

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 10/08/04 08:56 PM

\:D There's no big bass here in CT.
Posted by: Anonymous

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 10/08/04 10:07 PM

Bill, I wasn't pointing fingers at anyone. You just kind of jumped the conclusion. Darn, I should have kept my moth shut. I know many members do...why do I even bother getting involved in a Bass topic is beyond me...
However, enough is enough.
Posted by: BigBill

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 10/08/04 10:28 PM

RobertV Its not you my one typing finger is getting tired in the same subject. Lets move on.
BigBill

How about those REDSOX?? Now if the YANKEES make it we will see a battle for sure. I just hope they can get passed minnesota and not be too tired.
Posted by: BigBill

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 10/09/04 02:52 AM

I'm going fishing too!!!! BigBill

I get paid now to go fishing how about you?? \:D
Posted by: Anonymous

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 10/09/04 05:31 AM

Big bill, i get paid to fish too. Plus my job paid for me to come live here in so. ca. they pay my rent, utilities,and 500$ a month food allowance
Plus my paycheck I work 3 days a week,12 hrs a day. I Have a 4 day weekend every week. 2 years to go on my contract .. then who knows. still own a home in ct. miss the small ponds and rivers. by the way my best ct bass I weighed 8lbs 11oz from crystal lake in ellington . caught 1 much bigger ,but didnt weigh it. At camp connri in andover ct. I guarentee over 10 ,ive seen 10 plus here .and this one was the real deal
Posted by: BigBill

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 10/09/04 11:30 AM

Topwaterrules, Were kind of lucky here in CT. we have so many types of fishing within driving distance "rivers, lakes, ponds and saltwater too" We can go deep sea fishing and charter too. I'm not sure if everyone ever thinks about how lucky we really are here in CT. Your right. BigBill

When i was working I wanted my company to go to a 4 day 10hrs a day work week but no one was interested in it. Thats awesome you have so much time to fish and still be working too. It doesn't get any better than that.
Posted by: Anonymous

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 10/09/04 05:32 PM

bigbill, I do miss ct's abundance of great fishing . I miss throwing the 12' boat in the back of my truck and off to a local pond or river. I fished with wonka a few times he's a good kid and a helluva angler. I believe there are low double digit bass in ct. If i was back east right now i would not sitting in front of the puter , I would be out fishing, now is magic time in ct, big fish looking to get bigger. good luck and hook one for me.
Posted by: Bart/ Fish Daddy

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 10/10/04 02:22 PM

Now I'm no expert on the subject fellas, but we just recently saw willywonka and findbass on the homepage pic and from what I see from these guys on a regular basis I think it is possible. Not to take anything from huskybass and what he's shown us on the site I would think they would be the ones with the best ideas on if this is truly possible.
Posted by: Huskybass

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 10/10/04 03:32 PM

A new state recoed largemouth is possible, but just keep in mind that it would have to be 50% larger than the monster that Findbass caught this past week. 50% larger than the largest photo we have seen all year would be quite a feat. I hope we see one over 12 pounds again in CT. I still think anything over 7 or 8 pounds is really big for Connecticut.

Huskybass
Posted by: BigBill

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 10/10/04 07:04 PM

Huskybass; I think in the near future we are going to see many larger bass caught now. And i think the guys who increase their time on the water are going to do it. Heck you guys just may get on a roll and pop out many numbers big bass who knows whats out there yet. If you have the time to go by the moon phases (excellent times to fish) it has to happen. BigBill

I won't tell you i told you so either. I didn't know they were there either till it happened to me. But if you break a new state record you do owe me something........a cold one!! thats all!! (kidding)
Posted by: Greg Bilotta

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 10/11/04 01:31 AM

What about Taunton? I would imagine those guys truck in live shiners or alewives or whatever for those monster pay lake bass.

I don't know guys, there has to be a 12+ lb'er in CT. I recently bought the Gazeteer, and have spent hours scouring it for small water to bring my little basstender...and I look at some of these remote lakes and ponds, and can't help but think that they receive little if not any pressure during a fishing season. There has to be a record in one of those lakes.

Here are some that have caught my eye...any info about them would be a good read!

1. Riga Lake or South Pond
2. Wangum Lake
3. Bigelow Pond
4. Peck Pond
5. Fuller Pond

more to come...
Posted by: willywonka56

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 10/12/04 07:00 PM

Bigelow pond......lol
Posted by: Greg Bilotta

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 10/12/04 07:12 PM

Clue my in on why Bigelow is a joke...what about the other ponds? You're the bass-master now, so let's hear it!
Posted by: FindBass

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 10/12/04 09:56 PM

I believe Riga is a private lake.
Posted by: willywonka56

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 10/12/04 10:40 PM

I didnt say bigelow was a joke. I was just laughing at my past experiences there. I have fished it alot and there is not a big concentration of bass. Its mostly stocked with trout and thats what i usually catch there. I have gotton a couple threes out of it but not alot of bites anytime ive been out. Check the pond 1.1 miles in the woods next to bigelow now thats where the bigguns lurk. As for " your the bassmaster now " comment, lets not take this thread to seriuosly....OK
Posted by: Greg Bilotta

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 10/13/04 12:36 AM

WONKA - I know, just kidding. Guys like you motivate me to continue the quest for that prized fish. I enjoy your post a lot, didn't mean to come across the wrong way.

Good info on Bigelow...does that lake in the woods adjacent to Bigelow have any driving access up to it? Have you ever fished Breakneck next to Mashapaug?

FINDBASS - Thanks for the info.
Posted by: GreenBackSlayer

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 10/14/04 09:30 PM

Greg,

BigBill is a much better fisherman than you are. He fishes from the shore and you fish out of your little pretty boy yacht.
Posted by: Greg Bilotta

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 10/14/04 11:23 PM

Greenback -

My little yacht would run circles around your boat...oh wait, you fish from shore.

You need to control your mulletude.
Posted by: Greg Bilotta

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 10/17/04 05:49 PM

Greenback - Several fellow site members have inquired about your posts to me, and I explained to them that it's all in good fun, that you and I know each other well, and that you are an avid fisherman just like everyone here.

Give us a little bio of yourself for the other ctfisherman.com members.
Posted by: dave

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 10/19/04 03:57 PM

Lakeville lake--Wonoscopomic,
Posted by: Greg Bilotta

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 10/19/04 05:39 PM

Thanks Dave.
Posted by: BigBill

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 10/19/04 06:35 PM

Doesn't lakeville(wonoscopomic) close soon? BigBill
Posted by: Greg Bilotta

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 11/01/04 10:25 PM

What are the lake restrictions? Boats, motors, etc.?
Posted by: Mitch P.

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 11/21/04 08:57 PM

 Quote:
Originally posted by Don P.:
Hell I got nothing to lose here and it shouldn't be a problem since I plan to fish Rogers at least once this season! :p \:D

DEAL!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: MrMikie

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 11/21/04 09:07 PM

LOL LOL

Where is DON P Hiding?

Is he under a Lilly Pad?

Maybe its time for him to eat Crow again!
Posted by: KWK

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 11/22/04 10:00 PM

Dunnings and adjacent waters,caught a 9 plus two years ago,burped up a 10 inch trout.San Diego resevoir clones.
Posted by: Anonymous

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 11/24/04 12:07 AM

In my opinion Shenipsit lake in Rockville, Tolland, Ellington or Mashapaug lake in union if you recall Mashapaug lake holds the record for the biggest largemouth which is 12lbs 14oz and i don't think that was the only one. Plenty of 5-7 pounders cought this year at Shenipsit lake but unless your on the 20 boat waiting or live on the lake you can't take a boat out, which is good because it means less fish are getting caught and it doesn't take a genius to know what going on there. The fish are growing.
Posted by: Greg Bilotta

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 11/24/04 02:53 AM

Where is Dunnings?
Posted by: Mitch P.

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 11/24/04 12:37 PM

Hey Don P., are you owning up to this bet or what?
Posted by: PDona

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 11/24/04 12:44 PM

uh oh, quick! copy all of his posts before he deletes them!!!! \:D \:D
Posted by: SEADOG2

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 11/24/04 01:28 PM

Greg - I believe Dunnings is a private lake in Farmington just off rt 4.Supposed to be a great bass lake.
Posted by: BigBill

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 11/25/04 09:06 AM

Did we break the all time record for posts yet??
BigBill

HAPPY THANKSGIVING TO ALL!!
Posted by: Joe.G

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 11/25/04 10:05 AM

 Quote:
Originally posted by Mitch P.:
Hey Don P., are you owning up to this bet or what?
Whatever happened with that bet?????
Posted by: Mitch P.

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 11/30/04 02:31 PM

Don, are you still trying for this fish? The year is almost up.

After that, Husky will be adding another rod to his arsenal, right?
Posted by: Anonymous

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 11/30/04 02:53 PM

NOPE......troublemaker (you have a PM Mitch)


Huskybass cancelled the bet June 29, 2004
Posted by: Huskybass

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 11/30/04 03:07 PM

Don,

How did your quest for the 7 lber go?

You claimed you never bet me, thats why I said to consider the bet cancelled. I wasn't going to put up a custom rod if I had nothing to win in return.

Huskybass
Posted by: Anonymous

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 11/30/04 03:15 PM

 Quote:
Originally posted by BigBill:
Did we break the all time record for posts yet??
I don't think so. That dubious distinction belongs to a recent political thread..... :rolleyes:
Posted by: Anonymous

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 11/30/04 03:16 PM

Never hit the freshwater this year except for once-twice with my daughters on the back pond.

WAAAAAAAAAAAAAA....WAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA.....WAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA Mike.....guess your never done crying. \:o :rolleyes:

I PMed Mitch with our ins and outs on the bet fiasco.

I said all I have to say on that and you have my permission to post our conversation publicly if you want to.

I will get my 7#+ LMB AGAIN though :p \:D
Posted by: RayZCT

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 11/30/04 03:26 PM

AGAIN? When did you get the 1st?

Take a look at Bassmaster magazine, the section where they have members 10+ catches, you won't find very many coming from norht of the Mason-Dixon line. I.E. big bass are rare in the Northeast, unless your name is BigBill.
Posted by: Mitch P.

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 11/30/04 03:31 PM

Don,

I read your PM’s, but I’m posting my reply here.

Huskybass is more tactful than I am, so let me say it more abruptly to put an end to it.

I have no problem hammering you.

You ran your big mouth, like you do a lot, and now you’re not backing it up.

Of course I’m siding with Mike, because he’s right.

I read the posts between you guys on the site, so don’t tell me I’m missing something.

You post, post, post, but didn’t take the time to read more carefully. You made a mistake about the bet, so you should own up to it. If Mike did indeed cancel the bet, it was surely out of frustration in dealing with you. I don’t blame him. If you’re OK with not paying your bets, that’s your choice.

Categorize it however you like, but it’s black and white. I’m not going to argue with you like an idiot on the Internet.

I’m sure this makes for interesting reading, but the fact is that owning up to a bet is not something to joke about. (That is unless you make a bet with KC when it’s really not fair to. \:D )

Your shoddy betting record is now public knowledge.

-----------

http://www.ctfisherman.com/ubb/ultimatebb.php/ubb/get_topic/f/4/t/002325/p/1.html#000020

You wrote: “So what do I have to "pay up" IF I don't get a 7#+ LMB on a cewrtified scale this season????????”

http://www.ctfisherman.com/ubb/ultimatebb.php/ubb/get_topic/f/4/t/002325/p/1.html#000021

Mike wrote: “The wager I propose is a custom rod built by RayZ. You get a largemouth over 7 on a certified scale with accompanying photos, you win, you fall short, I win. Very simple.”

http://www.ctfisherman.com/ubb/ultimatebb.php/ubb/get_topic/f/4/t/002325/p/1.html#000022

You wrote: "Hell I got nothing to lose here and it shouldn't be a problem since I plan to fish Rogers at least once this season!

DEAL!!!!!!!!!"
Posted by: Anonymous

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 11/30/04 04:12 PM

Mitch: I'm not even in on this...., so WHY do I get MY BALLS BUSTED?! \:o

I bet you that I caught the bigger fish in the sea this year than you...., an', an'...., stutter....., drool..... an'....if ya wanna bet next year for biggest fish in the sea.....YOUR ON!, BUDDY BOY! :p

6:66PM message edited by DonP

Posted by: PDona

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 11/30/04 04:25 PM

I don't know if this is taking a shot at Mitch, Scott, or K.C. but I think it's appropriate to lighten this thread up \:D
[img]http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b4cf24b3127cce9a63cc9bc60300000016108AZNWbJq1ZN5[/img]
Posted by: Anonymous

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 11/30/04 04:41 PM

I always pay up. Whoever says otherwise can K.M.A. cause they are full of crap. Huskybass is not the first or last I'm sure crybaby that I have had and will have to deal with.....that's why I saved those PMs Mitch.....LOL

Call it stupidity, ignorance, whatever.........but I swear on my life, my daughters' lives, my boat, etc.....that I took the bet to be a no lose where Huskybass would put up a custom rod ("I propose a custom rod") that I would win from Huskybass if I caught a 7#> LMB this 2004 season and if he won he would just "win". I couldn't understand why he would offer a 1 sided bet where I could win a custom rod and he could only win the joy of just to "win". I asked for clarification on exactly that, told him it was a one sided bet in my favor and I had nothing to lose so I took the bet as I read it and I had previously asked for clarification on.

I win = custom rod

He wins = he just "wins"

Call it or read it anyway you want, but that was the bet Huskybass and I discussed both on the site publicly and through PMs.

Huskybass did cancel the bet in writing on June 29, 2004.....sure out of frustration.....but that's waht happens when there is a misunderstanding....one party leaves frustrated...this time it was him.....that's life.

As far as the >7#+ "again"......that's another long story told more than once here by me of the >7#+ LMB I caught at Roger's Lake on a crnakbait back ~1995.....I had 2 witnesses and 1 guy had a camera.....he then transfered to Turkey and I never did see the pic developed. I know it sounds hokey, but it's 100% the truth.

As you said Mitch I am not going to continue to argue this point. Mike and I have gone back and forth on this at naseau back in June and ended on the 29th when he cancelled.

OK...I'm done....phewwwwwwwwww
Posted by: Huskybass

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 11/30/04 04:48 PM

Don,

Your story is comical at best.

Happy Holidays,

Huskybass
Posted by: Anonymous

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 11/30/04 04:59 PM

You guys are all big and scarey.....
Posted by: Anonymous

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 11/30/04 05:00 PM

To You and Yours as well Mike!
Posted by: Bob D (Vt)

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 11/30/04 05:19 PM

:rolleyes:

"A man is only as good as his word" -My Grandfather.
Posted by: Huskybass

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 11/30/04 05:28 PM

Its all water under the bridge at this point. Rather than bicker over an apparent misunderstanding, I'd rather celebrate the accomplishments we have seen this year including the huge Striped Bass on the home page, the 8-6 largemouth caught by Findbass, etc.

Happy Holidays to all,

Huskybass
Posted by: Bob D (Vt)

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 11/30/04 09:13 PM

 Quote:
Originally posted by P.DONA:
I don't know if this is taking a shot at Mitch, Scott, or K.C. but I think it's appropriate to lighten this thread up \:D
[img]http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b4cf24b3127cce9a63cc9bc60300000016108AZNWbJq1ZN5[/img]
Did anybody else notice that K.C. is the only guy in this photo NOT holding a beer??? ;\) :p
Posted by: Blaine

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 12/01/04 01:07 AM

Looks to me like he's wearing it on his jacket \:D
Posted by: Tackleman

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 12/01/04 09:51 AM

Looks to me like he's wearing it "under" his jacket...
Posted by: OHMYGOD

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 12/01/04 10:29 AM

Yep!!!
He is wearing it on his jacket!!!
LOLOLOL
\:D
I've been following this thread and
really enjoy the Testosterone that's
been tossed around about the
RECORD BASS OF THE YEAR!!!!!

(from KC)
(Mitch: I'm not even in on this...., so WHY do I get MY BALLS BUSTED?!)

Hey KC I dont look at it as they are
busting your Balls.........
They are just poking fun at ya!!!!

(Quote from KC..You guys are all big and scarey.....)
Didn't you mean BIG AND HAIRY!!!!

:p \:D :p
Posted by: BowfinBoy95

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 03/14/05 04:44 PM

ya might think i dunno what im talkin about but i think long meadow harbors some gigantic fish..i saw 3 fish over 5 lbs come outta there last year. lots of weeds and the bass are pretty smart..they just dont wanna bite sometimes..plus ice fishing pressure, may damage their numbers. biggest ive seen so far is 6 lbs even..but i was talkin to some old timers who said that it wasnt uncommon to catch 8 lb fish..who's to say they cant get bigger. but it is more likely a bigger lake with a comparable amount of weeds could harbor a bigger fish..and from what ive heard about gardner i dont doubt it could be the next producer of the state record breaker.
Posted by: Huskybass

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 03/14/05 05:08 PM

I've fished Gardner at least 75 times. I caught a 7 pound bass there in 1998. I know of many bass in the 6 and 7 pound range caught there, but none were 8 pounds or bigger. I seriously doubt that Gardner will ever produce a state record largemouth, its more of a "numbers" smallmouth lake with a large population of smallmouth in the 3/4 pound to 3 1/4 pound range.

I think there is a much better chance at Long Meadow for a 9 or 10 pound bass, but even they will be very rare.
Posted by: Greg Bilotta

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 07/06/05 12:54 AM

Are there any small lakes/ponds in Northwest CT that allow only electric motors?
Posted by: BDF61

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 07/10/05 01:33 AM

Greg,
I think SUCKER is stamped across my forhead but in the event you really want this info and are not trying to keep this thread alive. The "Paddler's Guide to Boating in Ct" lists Howells Pond in Hartland, Leonard Pond in Kent, Mohawk Pond in Cornwall(all motors prohibited), Mt Tom Pond in Litchfield, and Stillwater Pond in Torrington. I've only been to Howell w/o a rod. It's trout stocked puddle. To all those fine members who have prayed, begged and demanded that this thread end I can only say I'm sorry. I hope new members are entitled to 1 mistake.
Posted by: BigBill

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 07/10/05 11:39 AM

With all do respect for everyone here, i mean nothing against your fishing skills or ego but I don't think these big bass are rare at all here in CT. their just smarter than the smaller ones your catching, again they didn't get big because they are stupid their just hard to catch. If 3 out of 4 places i fish on a regular basis (LM being one of them) I have caught one(10lber) and lost a few more there and in 2 other places I have seen big bass swim by me tells me that at least 75% of our waters hold big bass in them. At one spot there are many big bass I can see them in the crystal clear shallow water there's plenty more than just one. The 12lber in Lakeville(wono) plus there were some good sized bass caught by some Ct. guys here too in the spring supports my findings too. Just because were not catching them all the time just doesn't mean they aren't there. The facts are facts its no theory. I call these bass ghost bass because they just appear sometimes then their gone they spook really easy. But again many of these fish that are caught that go unreported too. The average good size bass for Ct. is 3.5lbs but the numbers 4's, 5's, 6's and 7lbers posted here aren't no chopped liver either. But its the bigger gals that are keeping the bass population up in the big numbers too without them we would need the bass hatchery's running again so they do need to go back when caught too. BigBill
Posted by: Greg Bilotta

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 07/10/05 10:45 PM

BDF61,

When I come to this site to post, I go to my profile and search through my recent postings. I haven't posted that much this winter or spring, so this thread wasn't too far down my list of recent posts. I didn't realize it was a bone of contention for everyone.

I appreciate your info very much, most importantly the details about Howell...that's the type of info I need. Any details about Leonard Pond, Mt. Tom Pond, or Stillwater Pond?

Am I a new member? I signed up the week Mitch launched the site. ;\)
Posted by: MikeG

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 07/11/05 12:07 AM

Greg: go fish Stillwater Pond in Torrington, you will fall in love with the place. Electric motors only ,it is fair sized,lots of structure,varied depths to about 30' and every year someone gets a bass or two over 7 pounds out there.It is also stocked with trout.

No houses directly on the waters edge.
Posted by: BDF61

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 07/12/05 10:03 AM

Greg,
My apologies for questioning your motivation. I'm happy you recieved some good information in my response.
Mark
Posted by: BigBill

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 07/12/05 04:21 PM

Greg; Mike G is right I heard from one of my sons co-workers who fishes stillwater a lot and he has taken an 8lber there and has had the line snap on others that were bigger. I believe he uses 10" & 12" worms there. Just pick a spot and hammer it as often as you can!!!! Fish during the low light/ night conditions because these big gals are very shy. We also have a Full Moon comming soon too. (hint) BigBill
Posted by: BLUECHIP

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 01/14/06 12:22 AM

BUMP....HAHAHAHA
Posted by: Dusty

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 01/14/06 04:56 PM

nice chris.....always good to get this one bouncing around!
Posted by: Vega1x1

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 01/14/06 05:18 PM

I would think something like 11 plus bass should come out of lakes that require a permit to fish them and are mostly fished from shore, like saltonstall or chamberlain. These are big lakes which barely get fished. the chances of bass surviving for a longer time are far better in lakes like these than any of the lakes that get serious fishing pressure. DEP itself says that saltonstall may hold the state record.Having said that, a fish like this can come out of anywhere.
Posted by: Bluegill Terminator

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 01/15/06 08:05 PM

Plainville, Connecticut will produce the biggest bass this year. There are 3 main lakes that I am targeting Paderewski, Hamlins, and a secret lake that's behind my house. I have been seeing the bass get bigger and bigger in these lakes and one of these days I am going to hook up with them.
Posted by: csimone

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 01/15/06 08:15 PM

I beleive that the record will come out of candlewood. if you think the 9lber I cought was the biggest fish in the lake, your nuts. I beleive the pressure on the fish there has alot to do with it. I'm going to target Big fish this year. going to try the big trout plugs, and larger baits in general. even though I caught that 9, on a 1/8 ounce hair jig. a very small lure.
Posted by: MarkC

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 01/16/06 05:37 PM

Hello Jessica!
Posted by: Greg S.

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 01/16/06 07:22 PM

 Quote:
Plainville, Connecticut will produce the biggest bass this year. There are 3 main lakes that I am targeting Paderewski, Hamlins, and a secret lake that's behind my house. I have been seeing the bass get bigger and bigger in these lakes and one of these days I am going to hook up with them.
Your kidding...Right? :rolleyes:
I've fished these lakes for 30 years,and probably the pond behind your house too! ;\)
Posted by: OHMYGOD

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 01/16/06 09:16 PM

No matter where it comes from, I hope
someone from this site Breaks that record.
\:D
Posted by: Chumbucket74

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 01/16/06 09:24 PM

Bluegill I'M from Bristol and would love to help you do just that Catch the big one that is seens how I know all that water around there and I always go alone!! could use some company don't forget when the ice breaks in the spring I'm in!!! You are right some of that water does not get fished to much and has some nice fish in it that has be getting bigger!!!
Posted by: Chumbucket74

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 01/16/06 09:34 PM

Almost forgot I would have to say the big one is at Comgamond myself as well as Mike A.K.A. Daddypickle have seen a big A#% Bass eatting up some nice Trout on the top some call this bass Big Bertha!! IT LOOKED AROUND 10 OR 15 LBS !!!!


DAN
Posted by: Dusty

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 01/16/06 09:57 PM

I can tell you where and when...private pond about 5-7 years from now.

Right Dave ;\) \:D ;\)
Posted by: csimone

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 01/16/06 10:11 PM

then thats not realy a challenge.kinda like those guys who raise trophy white tail, then charge you $25.000 if you want to kill the the biggest buck in the country. just not the same as the real thing.
Posted by: Dusty

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 01/16/06 10:35 PM

Yea...kinda like Ray Scott holding line class world records from his personal pond...which has autometed feeders on it!!!
Posted by: csimone

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 01/17/06 01:08 AM

exactly Dusty. someday thats what Im going to do. build me a a nice 25 acre fish tank!
Posted by: buckcall

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 01/17/06 01:47 AM

Dusty,ssssssshhh :p ;\)

Chris mine is 40 acres ;\) \:D
Posted by: Big Beave

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 01/17/06 02:05 AM

oh yah dave come on spring i want to hit the big fish pond i wont snap line there anymore lol
Posted by: buckcall

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 01/17/06 02:09 AM

LMAO. I stil talk about that fish you had.. It was swing the boat around like it was nothing. Wish you could have landed that fish. Had to be a 7+ easy. Could have been even bigger. Hell she snapped that 12lb test like it was nothing in open water.
Posted by: Big Beave

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 01/17/06 02:10 AM

yah my new pb is coming out of there in spring no doubt and ill have a replica made
Posted by: buckcall

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 01/17/06 02:14 AM

 Quote:
Originally posted by bigbeave:
ill have a replica made
Thats music to my ears \:D

Were going hog huntin ;\)
Posted by: Big Beave

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 01/17/06 02:17 AM

that fish was dragging the boat all over spinning it around lol \:o you wont see any more 12 lb test when im there 30 lb braid min .that was funny too the next time we went there after i lost that fish i had the 30 braid on ;\)
Posted by: Dusty

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 01/17/06 12:18 PM

hey....what no invites?????

My services come at a cost!!!! \:D ;\)
Posted by: The Green Bear

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 01/17/06 12:44 PM

HEY DUSTY I KNOW WHERE SHE LIVES....4 YEARS AGO I HAD HER ON FISHING FROM SHORE WHAT A TRIP.... GOT HER RIGHT UP TO THE SHORE AND ALMOST OUT OF THE WATER THE BIGGEST FISH(INCLUDING CARP) I'VE EVER SEEN... ITS MY WHITE BUFFALO....2 YEARS AGO I HAD HER ON AGAIN LOST HER AGAIN SAME AREA... LAST YEAR FISHING WITH MY SON WE SAW HER AGAIN......SAME AREA..... SHE IS OUT THERE....
Posted by: Pistol

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 01/17/06 01:15 PM

black pond in Meriden......... next biggest bass over 10 lbs, then Candlewood, must be lots over 10 lbs there...... always wanted my own trout / bass pond out in the back yard.....
Posted by: Bluegill Terminator

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 01/17/06 10:48 PM

Lancraftbass we have to meet up someday and fish Hamlins Pond. I know where they are hiding I found there spot. It's up the river under the tunnel.
Posted by: willywonka56

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 01/17/06 10:58 PM

Someone shoot me!
Posted by: Greg S.

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 01/17/06 11:02 PM

Bang! \:D
Posted by: BlueFox

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 01/17/06 11:02 PM

Get in line Wonka...
I am taking the first bullet.
Posted by: Anonymous

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 01/17/06 11:04 PM

How about we do a MASS suicide!!!!!!!!I will get the C-4!!!!
Posted by: buckcall

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 01/17/06 11:28 PM

Dusty, Your on the top of the list ;\) \:D . Though you knew that already.
Posted by: Chumbucket74

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 01/19/06 02:32 AM

Sounds good bluegill!!!we will show them were the big fish are!!!!!
Posted by: Brown Bagger

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 01/19/06 02:01 PM

Saugatuck Reservoir, no one fishes for em, and there is acres of forage fish for them to eat. Very big reservoir with tons of untouched fishing grounds
due to an entire unaccessible east shoreline. I've heard of a bunch of ten pounders always caught by accident.
Posted by: buckcall

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 01/19/06 02:12 PM

Jeep, Can you launch a boat or carry a car topper in there?
Posted by: OHMYGOD

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 01/19/06 02:19 PM

Can you say road trip!
Posted by: BlueFox

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 01/19/06 02:27 PM

No, but I can say Crazy Obsessive Compulsive Big Fish Disorders....
Posted by: OHMYGOD

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 01/19/06 02:30 PM

YEP!
I may be on the prowl, but it sure is gonna be
a great ride!
Posted by: Reno

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 01/19/06 03:07 PM

Saugatuck Res and Lake Quassapaug!
Posted by: buckcall

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 01/19/06 03:22 PM

Sorry , I would never pay to fish any lake. I don't care how good it is. I don't see how anyone could own nature and make money off it.JMO

I'd pay for a guide but not a launch owner
Posted by: Anonymous

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 01/19/06 03:36 PM

You pay for fishing lakes every time you buy a licsence- a percentage goes to the state and the rest goes to restoring waterways-paying dep guys- and the like.
Posted by: buckcall

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 01/19/06 03:52 PM

You would think so wouldn't you. It goes to a general fund. Not the DEP.

Besides thats a once a yr fee! Not an every time you go fee.
Posted by: BDF61

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 01/21/06 02:08 PM

 Quote:
Originally posted by BlueFox:
No, but I can say Crazy Obsessive Compulsive Big Fish Disorders....
Does this mean Blue is busy writing the script for "Rainman III, Raymond Can't Catch the Big One"?
Posted by: Anonymous

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 01/21/06 07:56 PM

Jeez they should really give it all to the DEP- would provide more trout water NO DOUBT!
Posted by: Daddy Pickle

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 01/21/06 09:45 PM

 Quote:
Originally posted by lancraftbass:
Almost forgot I would have to say the big one is at Comgamond myself as well as Mike A.K.A. Daddypickle have seen a big A#% Bass eatting up some nice Trout on the top some call this bass Big Bertha!! IT LOOKED AROUND 10 OR 15 LBS !!!
ohh i wish, i wish, i might catch that fish!

that bass wouldve been the fish of a lifetime
Posted by: Weirdbeards

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 01/22/06 03:47 AM

First person who catches a LARGE MOUTH BASS INSIDE CONNECTICUT WATERS over 11 PPPPOUNDS gets a C-note from me. All this talk is what it is. You all want to think the record from CT of 12 + lbs is true....but my Crystal Ball says it ain't.....that record is 35 years old for a reason.....be it that there was NO fishing pressure back in the day...which is quite possible....or the fact as some would have it that it's BS.....I could care less. Who know's....but my bet it's nonesense. Look at the facts folks.......we've seen ONLY 9's...........and that's a LONG way from TWELVE POUNDS 14 OUNCES. Get over it. I bet you MF's NO ONE EVER even comes close. Even JOE.G @ EL SALTO. Shalom!
Posted by: csimone

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 01/22/06 11:19 AM

are you threatning me? lol!
Posted by: Dusty

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 01/22/06 12:18 PM

I sesond that...she may be out there, but my money is on nobody bringing her in.
Posted by: csimone

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 01/22/06 10:22 PM

the big one comes when least expected. so just dont expect it. and she'll come rite?......maybe?
Posted by: Ken M.

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 01/23/06 12:22 PM

I think Cwood, because I have pulled numerous 3-4lb bass out of there and they are becoming very common every trip. So I think with the abundance of alewives, size of the lake and well oxygenated water even in summer, a trophy or record sized bass could be caught some day. (Csimone knows what I'm talking about by trophy sized bass) ;\)
Posted by: The Green Bear

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 01/23/06 12:37 PM

Dusty, those photos I sent you... that place holds the biggest largemouth I have ever hooked but b\not caught.....not once but twice...The fish was as long as my arm which is 28 inches. I had her on fishing from shore in 2002. Again this past spring same place again fishing from shore its my white buffalo....could be well over 10 lbs.
Posted by: joez2872

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 01/24/06 02:37 AM

lake salt-n-stall has huge largies in it gotta fish by the bridge or do a sneak in at nite fish the front lake by the water towers and also right under highway bridge nail 5 pders all nite
Posted by: Jighead

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 01/24/06 12:04 PM

Sneak in ???? That would be illegal

Why would you post that here?

If you are going to cheat, could you at least learn to spell it " SALTONSTALL "

Weirdbeard - I think your C-note is safe.

Anyone know what the #2 bass in CT weighed?
Posted by: Huskybass

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 01/24/06 12:13 PM

Jiggy,

Old DEP records state that an 11-10 was caught in Brushy Hill Reservoir many years ago. I believe an 11-4 was caught at Moodus back in the 70's as well.

Mike
Posted by: Dusty

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 01/24/06 01:03 PM

Saltonstall may have a fish rivaling 12-14....but last I knew fishing illegally in a reservoir voids your catch and thus no record!

Hey jig....my bet is that the next bass over 10lbs comes on a 16 inch jighead stickbait in glow-in-the-dark pink...you better buy a mold and start creating these things!! How else are we gonna get those saltonstall bass to come out from under the bridge at night...they need something to see afterall!!!
Posted by: Jighead

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 01/24/06 04:08 PM

Thanks Husky - good stuff.
Posted by: RichZ

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 01/27/06 03:54 AM

The record previous to the current one was from Black Pond in Middlefield, and was 10-8. After the Domurat fish was certified as a new record in '61, the only fish I know of that bested the old 10-8 record were a 10-10 from East Twin (Frank Peters) and Paul Caruso's 11-4 (or was it 11-10?) from Moodus. Many years ago, a DEP emplyee showed me photos of two monsters that were taken in one night electroshocking. One was over 11. The other was well over the current State Record. That was in the '70s. He would not say where they came from, for fear of putting a stampede of crazy bass fishermen on a sub-200 acre impoundment. He also claimed that they had shocked a smallie over 8 pounds from Bantam. That was back when the smallmouth record was only 7-2.
Posted by: Chumbucket74

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 01/27/06 04:12 AM

I can tell you the club I fished 2 years ago had a angler fishing in CT caught a fish over 10lbs and because it was a tournament it went back in the water I will see if I can find the web page and link it up I haven't been a member for 2 years so lets see if it is still there.
Posted by: Chumbucket74

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 01/27/06 04:18 AM

here is the pick and I don't remeber were this was I am almost 99.9% sure it was in ct and was 10 plus pounds I blocked his face because I don't know him and I don't want him to get made at me for postting his pic
Posted by: Bob G

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 01/27/06 04:22 AM

A 10+ pounder came from Long Pond a few years back.
Posted by: Dusty

New State record largemouth caught - 12/05/07 12:53 AM

well, kinda ;\) I have a picture of a 10lb 13oz largemouth from CT. The pic was sent to the DEP, and by the looks of it, it might be true.

That being said, lets see what people think about this one...the 10 lb bass debate is a good one, and as winter gets here lets get it rollign again!!!

Do you think the state record bass is going to be caught this year? If so what lake? If not this year, will it happen soon or never?

What do ya think??????????????????


Your welcome Mitch.
Posted by: Frank

Re: New State record largemouth caught - 12/05/07 12:58 AM

Dusty,

Will they/you release the pic? That is an incredible fish and even though I rarely bass fish anymore I'd love to see it.
Posted by: Dusty

Re: New State record largemouth caught - 12/05/07 01:02 AM

Im going to see if I have permission before I do such....but i will attempt to by the end of the week.
Posted by: Mitch P.

Re: New State record largemouth caught - 12/05/07 01:12 AM

The existence and landing of a 10-pound bass is one thing.

Proving its weight is a whole other thing.

If anyone is in the hunt for the big one, let's hear your plan for where you're weighing it in.
Posted by: Candle Wood Angl

Re: New State record largemouth caught - 12/05/07 03:21 AM

As of now I would definitely get it weighed and measured at a local tackle shop with certified scales.

Now I don't have the heart or desire to take a bass thats 12 inches to 6 pounds, but something that big is once in a couple hundred lifetimes up here and I would have to put her on the wall. There's always the side that says put it back to let it spawn and pass down its genes, but a fish that big has spawned so many times I wouldn't be sure how many more years it would have to live to do so.

I know that southern strain bass get to about ten pounds in ten years so their northern growth rate would be much slower giving the bass a couple more years history to spawn.

So my answer would be taking it to a local shop with certified scales.
Posted by: Bob2

Re: New State record largemouth caught - 12/05/07 01:27 PM

Better off getting it weighed at a Deli or Supermarket, I'm sure they would more then happy to sign the affidavit as a witness. Their scales ARE certified by the State. If I can remember I'll post ANOTHER pic of a 10lb+ caught in Ct. after XMAS, as I won't get to take a pix of it till then. It was caught over 30 yrs. ago.
Posted by: FindBass

Re: New State record largemouth caught - 12/05/07 05:16 PM

 Originally Posted By: Mitch P.
The existence and landing of a 10-pound bass is one thing.

Proving its weight is a whole other thing.

If anyone is in the hunt for the big one, let's hear your plan for where you're weighing it in.


I'm going to bring mine to Tournament Force and keep her safe in the tank! ;\)
Posted by: Dusty

Re: New State record largemouth caught - 12/05/07 05:27 PM

i WILL NOT KILL IT if I do get one. I will weigh it get several pics and goodbye! The only way it gets kept for any time is if it is over 13 lbs so it can be certified by the state. Then maybe it goes to t-force or Cabelas. If not, i dont give a flying S**T if people believe it
Posted by: willywonka56

Re: New State record largemouth caught - 12/05/07 08:20 PM

You guys are a bunch of dreamers!!!!!! LOL!
Posted by: CWood Man

Re: New State record largemouth caught - 12/05/07 09:24 PM

Chris Simone was real close with his 9-10. Weighed in at a tourney then he released it. I don't know what I would of done. He said a bunch of guys told him to mount it at the tourney but he still C&R.
Posted by: Michael-SW CT

Re: New State record largemouth caught - 12/05/07 11:31 PM

I have a feeling that someday I will pull a 10 pound largemouth out of Whitney Farms Golf Course with my trusty Rapala Shallow Shad Rap.
Posted by: FindBass

Re: New State record largemouth caught - 12/06/07 02:29 AM

I'm not saying I will keep it. I'll bring it to TF to get accurate weights, measures and pictures ;\) . Then probably keep her on display for a bit and back she goes!

Call me a positive thinker or dreamer but I'm on a mission! \:D
Posted by: Dusty

Re: New State record largemouth caught - 12/06/07 02:05 PM

this is the fish that was weighed at 10-13 this spring.



Click to enlarge...

Posted by: RayZCT

Re: New State record largemouth caught - 12/06/07 03:18 PM

Above picture, I was with Jerry on Sunday, he's a hockey dad and his son plays on the same team as my grandson.
Posted by: JohnS

Re: New State record largemouth caught - 12/06/07 11:30 PM

I'm still working on catching an 8# bass. Or some more 7's with some regularity! Maybe a 10# plus will come out of Millers Pond. I would venture to say not many people would be willing to drag in a boat that far in. Or another small body of water where access is tough, and maybe underfished.
Posted by: Jighead

Re: New State record largemouth caught - 12/07/07 01:14 PM

I haven't killed a LMB since around 1984 so considering the number of bass I released, I wouldn't hesitate to keep the new state record if I wanted to.

My reason being - the fish would be past it's prime and already anyway and has passed on those same genetics many many times.

I do like the Findbass idea and would do the same. I carry a rope stringer even when I'm fishing out of my tin can. Called the wife one morning at 8am (I gave her a couple extra hours sleep) and told her to drive over and meet me to take a picture of what turned out to be a 24-1/2" 7.25 that was released after about 2 hours of towing it around. She had to drag my two young kids with her to boot. She was not nearly as excited about the idea as I was though.

Note - if you are going to try this, you poke the stringer wire/nail up from under the bottom lip, just behind the jaw bone where your thumb is when you lip one. I DON'T mean looping it through the gill opening and out the mouth as you'd probably kill the fish that way. Keep it close to the lip, or it will just tare till it get to the lip anyway, making the hole bigger than it needs to be. Loop it through the ring, tie it off to the boat with enough slack and let the fish swim next to the boat. You can safely tow that fish around with the trolling motor for hours assuming you don't forget it and fire up the big motor. It works fine, once I even caught one of my own fish again 2 months later, with the same small hole in the same place I put it.
Posted by: Mycept

Re: New State record largemouth caught - 12/07/07 01:22 PM

I'm not sure keeping it would be a bad thing if you caught a record. When I was at UF huge 10-20 pound LMBs were sent to the disease lab on a semi-regular basis from all over the country. Most times the fish were filled with tumors and growths which is why they attained such large size and weights. This was much more of a problem in the 15+ pound fish.

Whether it was because of the circumstances or just coincidence but the monsters that died in the Cabelas and Bass Pro type tanks almost always had tumors.
Posted by: Big Bill

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 12/09/07 02:06 PM

Moodus Res. I had d.e.p. tell me they had shocked one up over 13 lbs a couple of years ago.
Posted by: Dusty

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 12/09/07 04:03 PM

 Originally Posted By: Big Bill
Moodus Res. I had d.e.p. tell me they had shocked one up over 13 lbs a couple of years ago.


Absolutely not true...worked with that gruop and asked a question about the biggest shocked up....it sure as hell wasn't 13lbs ;\)
Posted by: JohnS

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 12/09/07 11:33 PM

Dusty how old would the new state record bass be if it was 13#, would that fish be about 15 years old?
Posted by: Dusty

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 12/10/07 01:06 AM

at very least.....tough to tell exactly because some fish grow very fast but dont live long while others live FOREVER but grow slowly.
Posted by: Jighead

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 12/10/07 03:12 AM

Without trying to stir the mud up here too much, that photo to me is exactly the reason you need a fish like that weighed on a legitimate scale. If I only had that photo to go by and nothing else - I would not have thought that bass could make 10. How many of us would even have a fish close to that to reference from anyway?

Dusty - Where can we find the most tumored bass in CT ;\)
Posted by: Mycept

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 12/10/07 08:43 AM

Jighead,

I'm sure someone in the DEP fisheries division could give you the information you're looking for. I have to believe that they're collecting age data to be able to propose and eventually assess their bass regulations.

At least for these lakes they should have age data, von Bertalanffy curves, have bootstrapped variances and anything else you might want to look at.

Give them a call.
Posted by: Dusty

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 12/10/07 11:29 AM

We have scales aged from about 50 largemouth from every public lake every year.....
Posted by: Mycept

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 12/10/07 12:58 PM

Do you fill all the cm groups when you choose which 50? Can you post the model equations or at least the raw data for us to play with?
Posted by: Dusty

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 12/10/07 07:08 PM

1 or two per CM class, depending on the lake. U want data call um....
Posted by: mattmann7

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 12/10/07 08:09 PM

ill toss a twist in to the debate. on thread page 38 richz mentions paul caruso and the 11 4 he caught in 78 on moodus. paul(who passed away 2 years ago) was a good friend of mine who helped get me interested in collecting old fishing tackle. he owned and operated a tackle shop for over 30 years. most of them in the clinton/ westbrook area. his 11 lb 4 oz bass hung on the wall in his store. sadly the last time i visited paul before his death the fish had fallen and the tail had broken off. according to paul the state record was a florida strain. that in 1960 the guy who caught it had a neighbor who was a fisheries employee who wouldnt squeal on him because he was his neighbor. the neighbor, who paul knew either at the time of the record or at a later time claimed the fish was frozen, driven to ct and recorded. i never debated the story with paul so i never asked him his sources name. of course paul wasnt biased as he claimed to any one who would listen that his fish was the unofficial state record. dusty, did the state retain scale samples from fish that far back? would they have collected scales from a record fish back then? too bad we couldnt "csi" the evidence and test the validity of pauls story.
Posted by: Mycept

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 12/10/07 11:11 PM

Dusty, you made it sound like you have the data ("we") so I figured I would ask.



Mattmann7...If the fish was a Florida fish the scale would be virtually useless for aging. Aging scales in warm climates doesn't work as well as it does where you have a more drastic seasonal change.
Posted by: mattmann7

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 12/11/07 06:32 PM

mycept i was interested if the record basses scale samples existed and in finding out if my friends story was bs or not. to see if in fact it was a florida strain as he claimed. just putting it out there as a hypothetical. i doubt anyone has reason enough to challenge the validity of the record. especially based on a second hand story. if he wasnt bsing it would sure be nice to see him with the record.
Posted by: OHMYGOD

Re: New State record largemouth caught - 12/11/07 06:55 PM

Thats a big Bass. \:o
Posted by: Dusty

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 12/11/07 07:50 PM

 Originally Posted By: Mycept
Dusty, you made it sound like you have the data ("we") so I figured I would ask.





I do, but im not at liberty to give it out. Plus i have not run the stats or pop-dynamics. Best if you just contact DEP themselves.
Posted by: Dusty

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 12/11/07 07:52 PM

Matt...as mycept said the scale would not give a good representation of age because the fish was a florida growth bass.

BUT>>>>it would say pretty firmly that the bass was from FL or CT.

And im not aware of any such scale being on record...again call and you shall find out. Im just eh laborer for them...collecting the data, i dont do a lot of work after i collect it for them.
Posted by: mattmann7

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 12/11/07 08:54 PM

thanks dusty i appreciate your reply
Posted by: CTAngler481

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 12/11/07 08:56 PM

I know that a record is coming out of my local lake pretty soon(this ice season!) I've seen and heard of a couple 7,8, and a 10 lbrs coming out in the past few years. Plus the low fishing pressure helps a lot. I've seen some monster bass crusing the shallows there and can't wait to get at 'em come springtime.

Also, my friend recently showed me a magazine cut-out from the 1970s where a man had caught a 16 pounder on Congamond on the fly. The bass was amazingly huge,and it had a large write up about it. I wish I had it, then I would post a pic.

Does anyone know if someone caught a fish on a border lake if it could be counted as both the states record if it fits the bill?
Posted by: Mycept

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 12/11/07 10:50 PM

I'll email a few people and see what they're willing to part with.

Thanks Dusty
Posted by: karate kid

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 12/11/07 11:32 PM

 Originally Posted By: Dusty
[quote=Big Bill]Moodus Res. I had d.e.p. tell me they had shocked one up over 13 lbs a couple of years ago.


Dusty would have got him on kermit by now
Posted by: Dusty

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 12/12/07 08:46 PM

DAMMM STRAIGHT!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: Huskybass

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 12/21/07 12:09 PM

I have spoken to the DEP Bass Management personnel. They told me they have only shocked up two bass over 10 pounds total in all their years of electrofishing. Both were in relatively small bodies of water in eastern, CT.
Posted by: Mark S.

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 12/21/07 02:39 PM

I would LOOOOOVE to be able to drop a small row boat in Shonecks Pond,
a private pond south of Hartford. Use to fish it as a kid growing up
30 years ago. I lived down the street from it. It's got some BIG bass in it. Dinner plate size blue gill too. I wouldn't be surprised if somebody here recognizes the name.....
Posted by: TimBaird

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 12/28/07 06:16 PM

i have seen one bass at the local golf course that was well over 10 lbs. The largest i have see caught was by my friend, it was just over 7 lbs, and small compared to the one i saw when golfing.
Posted by: Vega1x1

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 12/29/07 02:58 AM

gotta love winter topics. You can tell nobody is fishing. \:\) I am upto page 24 and I can't follow the arguments anymore so I'll just name the lake. I think, specially after catching eight 4 to 5 lbs bass this year from shore my vote goes to lake saltonstall. I lost another 3-4 of the same size . Its a big lake with a lot of reports of 6 pounders being taken every year. Its barely fished for its size and does not get fished in the winters at all. Most people who fish it fish for walleyes. It has a huge supply of baitfish with aliwives,perch,sunfish etc plus it has lots of cover in summer,its deep,good oxygen levels etc etc. If we are looking at all the ingredients of a big fish lake saltonstall has them.
Posted by: cthunter

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 01/09/08 10:07 PM

1.Rogers Lake

2.Mono Pond

3.Some side pond in the middle of the woods
Posted by: bigtoad

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 01/19/08 12:09 PM

1. Private pond or lake
2. Private pond or lake
3. Private pond or lake

you see where I am going with this.
Posted by: MidConnAdam

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 01/30/08 01:27 AM

I agree with Highland. The trout population just makes it such a great place for bass to load up.
Posted by: The Meatball

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 03/03/08 07:08 PM

1. Lake Quassapaug

2. Lake Lillinonah

3. Tauten lake in Newtown. This lake gets so much pressure for trout, that i think bass fishing there is almost ignored. Well thats from what ive seen anyway. Ive only fished there twice with my grandfather whom had permission, and we targetted trout. I beleive everyone else there was targeting trout as well. So i dont beleive that there is a lot of bass pressure there.
Posted by: jim k

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 03/19/08 12:37 AM

I spend many hours fishing the Ct River and have won several tournaments on it. We were prefishing a tournament last fall and I hooked what I thought was a striper. It ended up being a Largemouth that went 6.80 pounds on a Berkley Scale!!! I have pics on my cell phone that I'll try to post. What a fish 3 days too early for the tourny - we still won though. I've also caught several smallies over 5#'s and hooked one that was well over 6 maybe pushing 7. River has a huge forage bass and some big fish if you know where to look for them
Posted by: FondoFission

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 03/27/08 06:02 PM

Waramaug has the state record largie and smallie swimming in it....alewife eaters that receive fairly low pressure. Winchester has 10lb + largies in it, a friend of mine caught one 8.13 lbs this winter through the ice and it was on the skinny side, would have gone well over 10 around spawn. Theres so many places for big bass to hide in there its just a matter of getting to them.
Posted by: MikeShep

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 03/28/08 05:21 AM

 Originally Posted By: bigtoad
1. Private pond or lake
2. Private pond or lake
3. Private pond or lake

you see where I am going with this.


I agree!

My biggest in CT happens top be from Mansfield Hallow - 7+lbs.
Biggest Smallie has to be from Candy...
Posted by: Dsouth

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 04/02/08 12:19 PM

Guys + girls great topic. Took me 2 hrs to read all 43 pages.
Im a Mass swimbait guy but I spend many hrs on some of your states great waters.Most of my big bass hunting is after dark but the spring + fall are also great times to land a cow. As for the state record? + where. I say a new record in CT can happen. Where I say lake X. The best shot is on a lake that is stocked with trout + has a good # of alewifes in it. You guys have a hand full of lakes like that. Last year my best CT bass was 7lb13oz on a 3:16 1-up rainbow swimbait + in Mass my best was 7lbs2oz on a custom 3oz swimbait called a Woodtail. Heres a few pictures + also a old shot of the Mass state record 15.8oz fish that came through the ice.



Posted by: Kierran

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 04/02/08 12:33 PM

Nice fish Dsouth.

The 15.8 through the ice is pretty amazing. How big was the hole??
Posted by: Dsouth

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 04/03/08 08:38 AM

 Originally Posted By: Kierran
Nice fish Dsouth.

The 15.8 through the ice is pretty amazing. How big was the hole??


Mass state record fish was reported that it was taken from Sampsons Pond in Carver but the truth is it was caught in Mill Pond. Mill is the 1st pond that comes out of the Agawam river. Sea run bait is the key...herring. Walter Bolonis is the guys name that iced that giant back in 1975. You can bet that the hole was very big.
Posted by: OHMYGOD

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 04/03/08 12:00 PM


Dsouth, very imprssive LMB!!!! Thanks for sharing!!!
I love looking at pictures almost as much as I like landing them.
Posted by: Huskybass

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 09/30/08 05:39 PM

Well its now 4 years later. I wonder if BigBill has any photos of any 8, 9, or 10 pound largemouth caught in CT that he can share with us?

Seriously BigBill, I would love to see any photos of these big Largemouth that you might have.
Posted by: Mycept

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 09/30/08 06:02 PM

Doesn't he own a bait shop. I'm guessing he should have his photos on the wall there, if they exist.
Posted by: Huskybass

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 09/30/08 06:05 PM

BigBill and Big Bill are two different guys.
Posted by: Mycept

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 09/30/08 06:34 PM

Oh my, I guess the 'space' is important for this than. My bad.
Posted by: arlow

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 09/30/08 09:02 PM

 Originally Posted By: Huskybass
Well its now 4 years later. I wonder if BigBill has any photos of any 8, 9, or 10 pound largemouth caught in CT that he can share with us?

Seriously BigBill, I would love to see any photos of these big Largemouth that you might have.


Cougars too!!!! We are waiting Bill!!!!
Posted by: Mitch P.

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 09/30/08 09:17 PM

He's not a subscriber and hasn't posted since last June, so I doubt we'll hear from him.

http://www.ctfisherman.com/ubbthreads/ubbthreads.php?ubb=userposts&id=2689
Posted by: bojango145

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 02/26/09 05:11 AM

holy crap, what a thread
Posted by: OHMYGOD

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 02/26/09 09:52 PM

HOLY COW!!!! Dsouth.......I am not worthy
Outstanding!!!


Maybe we need to change where and when
the new record LMB will be caught.................................
Toooooooooooo Who, is gonna find that Big Girl!!!
Posted by: BassSlayer

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 02/26/09 10:59 PM

That Mass ice bass looks like something from FL or CA!

I was fishing a club tourney at C-Wood in September of 2006 and hooked into a 14-inch LM toward the end, an enourmous largemouth was following it it, I'm guessing looking to eat it. I have to say it was in the 8 to 10 lb class - at least. Came right to boat and everything, I was shaking after seeing that thing.
Posted by: BASSMANinCT

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 03/16/09 05:38 PM

BassSlayer, I like the new logo, but you need to add another S to BAWS,

Bass Anglers Who Still Suck!

Actually, I beleive, if there were gonna be a record breaking Largemouth bass caught, one nearing 13 lbs, we would see alot of 10+ bass being caught. We don't see any. We hardly see 8 pounders, so that is a pretty good indication, that the life span of a Connecticut Largemouth Bass is near 8 pounds. How many 7+'s? Not alot of those either.

Gary caught a 6.99 lber 3 years ago at Bantam,



thats the biggest I have seen for LMB, and I got a 6 lb smalley myself that same year out of Candy at night on a 7 inch senko type bait.

The smallie record is another one that is tough to beat, but I think that might happen before the LMB is beat. And from Candy, since they have tons of 5 lb smallies coming in every year.

This topic has been going on long too.

I just wanted to add, that everyone should visit the "Tournaments" "Candy Results" thread. Notice how huge the bags were? Lots of FAT- HUGE- GIANT- Smallies coming out of there this month, and it is only March. I imagine there are tons still to show up as the season gets going. Thos fish are gonna be filling up in the next 3 weeks with stocked trout, if they haven't already been doing just that. Way HUGE BAGS at that tournament. Maybe the smallie record will be challenged this year.

And a last note, are the LMB fattening up as well?
Posted by: 15pounda

12 pound largemouth - 05/27/09 09:37 AM

I bumped into a guy at a launch in NW CT last weekend who claimed that a friend of a friend, etc. caught a 12 pound largemouth on a live bluegill. He claims it was in the Register Citizen or Waterbury Republican. Any confirmation on that? If that's the case, that fish was a meal or two away from the state record-
Posted by: Jighead

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 05/27/09 12:55 PM

 Originally Posted By: BASSMANinCT
Actually, I beleive, if there were gonna be a record breaking Largemouth bass caught, one nearing 13 lbs, we would see alot of 10+ bass being caught. We don't see any. We hardly see 8 pounders, so that is a pretty good indication, that the life span of a Connecticut Largemouth Bass is near 8 pounds.


I agree completely!
Posted by: Buck

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 05/28/09 07:24 PM

There was a largemouth over 12lbs C&R'd recently in a western ct. lake. I saw a picture of the guy in a boat holding it up. Looked like it had three pounds of trout in its belly. Hard to tell from a picture how big it really is but for a reference go to Pdona's thread on huge bass which shows a picture of a girl holding a 9lb. bass and then picture a bass longer than that and three times fatter. Looked like something from Florida or California. Not my story or trip so that is all I can add but I believe what I heard and saw.
Posted by: willywonka56

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 05/28/09 08:27 PM

Here we go again. Not three pounds of trout but a big fem full of eggs. The "so called" record will never be broken for largemouth. Smallmouth i doubt as well. Alot of great fisherman fish Candy alot and tons of tourneys a year happen there and you see maybe 2, 6 pound class a year. Its a dream. Could it happen, yes, will it happen before i die i doubt it.
Posted by: Buck

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 05/29/09 05:04 PM

Wonka, I saw the picture of the fish being held by the fisherman in a boat on a lake that I know very well and even recognized the exact spot. Since I didn't weigh it we can argue how big it is but we can't argue that a huge bass was caught. I was told it was weighed by the fisherman on a hand digital scale, similar to what many of us carry in a boat and it registered 12lbs. I have no way of knowing if this weight is exaggerated at all. It was released but the picture has been seen by others besides myself and the fisherman is known locally by people who I trust.
Further, electroshocking trips on these waters have retrieved bass to 8lbs or more that have puked up stocker trout in the holding tank. I have been on these trips.
I would think that a record breaking bass, or at least one over 10lbs, is a solitary creature that inhabits the deeper waters on the outside weed edge or underwater structure and feeds a few times a week on large bluegills, trout, small bass, fall fish, suckers, etc. and therefore is not prone to being caught by a tournament fisherman flippin spinner baits under someone's dock. You have to fish specifically for this one fish, maybe all month for one bite. Just like you hunt a rack buck or fish for a trophy pike or any kind of trophy. My impression is that is what this fisherman was doing, that this was not an accident though it was an extremely rare and once in a lifetime event.
JMHO of course, I am not a bass fisherman so what do I know but I do have 20/20 vision now after cataract surgery.
Posted by: arlow

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 05/29/09 07:01 PM

Unfortunately no one will ever know. There was a certified 9.9 pounder caught in Mass last week. This fish is Huge!!!

Pics in the cooler really give perspective to what a 10 lb fish looks like!





Posted by: Buck

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 05/30/09 01:02 AM

Arlow, great post. There are bigger largemouth bass in the northeast than people realize. The fish in the picture I saw had a much fatter gut than your picture. I am sure it will come out over time.
You can go bass fishing, and even fish in a bass tournament, but if you want to catch a trophy bass you must change strategies. There is bass fishing and trophy bass fishing and the two sports are as divergent as girls bad mitton is to division one football.
Posted by: MarkO

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 06/01/09 01:10 AM

Wawawoowww!!!! Those are some incredible specimens, Arlow! Are they all Mass bass?

Buck, I have to agree on the trophy bass hunt and the need for a change in tactics.
Posted by: Joe.G

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 06/01/09 10:12 AM

No offense meant at all Buck but if you don't fish for Bass or no anything about it how do you know that these two elements of fishing are drastically different. I have fished many tourney's over the last 20 + years and if the lake permits along w/ seasonal conditions I'm fishing as deep and slow as possible. Many tourney guys do this, fishing for five bites.

I've caught many six's and sevens in tournament situations doing this.

I've got a few eights and one nine, not in tournaments but fishing for them just like I would in a tourney. I'm not saying everyone does this but there are a lot of people that consistently fish for the bigger fish in tournament situations. I would also add that places like Moodus, Pachuag and the like hold some pretty big fish and the average depth is still pretty shallow overall and comparatively.
Posted by: Buck

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 06/01/09 01:48 PM

No offense taken Joe, I know you do very well bass fishing and I read all of your reports.
I make the linkage for a few reasons.
The most obvious to me is all tournaments and most bass fishermen use artificials and though the nice bass you caught were on artificials it is my opinion that the truly biggest bass in any water are solitary and need to be targeted specifically with huge large baits like a 9" fallfish or something equivalent. Few fishermen bother with that kind of preparation for any species.
That is how I target trophy walleye with my biggest in Ohio being 35", NY 30", Pa 33" and Ct 30 -- all on huge baits in water devoid of smaller walleye.
Or the Manitoba trip with Blaine where we had 12 Master Angler pike, the most of any group in Gods Lake that year, each fish over 43 1/2". The big pike were up on deep grass flats surrounded by deeper water and there were relatively few smaller pike. You catch a hundred small pike by fishing the shallow bays.
Or monster fluke. When I had my place in Montauk in the 70s before it was so crowded out there you could get trophy fluke by fishing deep holes and rocky areas especially around Labor Day when they were on the move to offshore locations. That is where and when the world record was caught and where I had a 16, 14, two 12s, and many above 10 and I have those pictures and may have put them in the gallery on the site a few years ago. You didn't catch any small fluke because you were not using a strip bait, you were using the entire filet of sea robin trimmed to a diamond shape or whole live bergalls and snapper blues.
There are state record brown trout swimming in at least three different state lakes and they don't feed on herring anymore, instead targeting much larger baits like stocker sized trout and kokanee. These fish don't get caught by trolling five colors.
So in my mind there is a difference in bass fishing too. Just like I hunt rack bucks instead of just going deer hunting I would hunt a trophy bass by avoiding the average bass and fish deeper with huge baits. I have inferred that this will work because it works on other species.
I think if you are a versatile sportsman who has mastered many of the hunting and fishing strategies in saltwater, freshwater and in the woods and fields then you can translate that into other strategies that you may not participate in much.
That is why I own a 3wt, 5wt, 7wt and 10wt flyrods plus multiple glass fly rods yet I am not a fly fisherman. I live 5 minutes from Candlewood and have fished it since 1984 and have graphed the entire lake knowing it like the back of my hand catching hundreds of quality smallies over the years but I am not a bass fisherman.
Last year on a local pond I had 30 trout to 4lbs and 20 bass with a half dozen over 20 inches until I ran out of bait but I was neither a trout fisherman or a bass fisherman that day. Just a guy out for the morning.
So I don't think it is necessary to be a fly fishing entomologist to be a knowledgeable trout fisherman nor a tournament bass fishermen to be knowledgeable about bass and their habits. I think a versatile sportsman who is competent in many different disciplines can translate that knowledge into other areas.
Posted by: Joe.G

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 06/01/09 02:51 PM

I agree buck and don't argue that whatsoever. I guess my point was that even with a small % of tournament guys fishing this style we would see a higher production of bigger fish (if they were in fact there) and even w/ aritificials.

I don't doubt for a second that you are a very knowledgeable sportsman. I've read to many of your posts to know better. I was focusing on my time on Connecticut waters, not only fishing but observing.

As we know they don't get big for being stupid but I believe there just isn't that many giants to be had in our waters. I'm sure there are a some and I've gone as far as saying I believe there is a new record out there but that may be self serving if you know what I mean.

I have spent a lot of time at places like Beach , Long Pond and Amos w/ live bait over the years and have had similar results as I do w/ artificial's. One of my craziest experiences was at Beach Pond. I had been striper fishing and was live lining eels. That gave me the idea to try them for LMB. So I went to the bait store and picked out six of the smallest I could find, they were about nine inches or so. I caught fish and the biggest was about six lbs or so.

I've seen one ten lb fish that was certified in my lifetime. I caught one that went 9.1 at Beach Pond and know of a 9.14 that was caught at Beach only one month later. There was a 9 caught at Cwood a few years back and another big one (or two) this year. So in a nutshell I've known about a dozen or so fish that could be considered trophy sized or whatever you want to call them. I know its only one person but big fish stories typically travel around the horn pretty efficiently.

With that said, I believe that Connecticut large mouth just don't grow that big on average. No matter what you throw at them.
Posted by: Buck

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 06/01/09 06:30 PM

I don't think there are a lot of huge bass either, other than the picture I saw last week the only ones I see are right here on this site.
I like your thinking outside the box and your eel idea for largemouth makes sense to me. Lamprey eel juveniles are the number one primo bait for river smallies and walleye on the Delaware River and I would think it would work on the Ct. River or any river with lamprey spawning.
Lake Housatonic is full of those 6-9 inch american eels so freshwater bass see them in some of our fisheries.
Posted by: arlow

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 06/01/09 06:59 PM

Buck you are sorta on the right track.

There is a whole subculture of fishermen who only target big fish. That 9.9 was caught by one of those guys. They do it with artificials, but big artificials. Big MS Skammers (up to 12 inches and more) Huddleston, Rago, Mattlures, 316 Lures and other swimbaits. There is another guy who caught two 9+ lb bass a couple years ago in one single outing. He also caught another fish in the spring which weighed 9-2, released it and caught it again in the fall and it wieghed 9-6 and won the Mass Gold Pin award.
Posted by: willywonka56

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 06/01/09 06:59 PM

Arlow that fish is a freakin horse! Bog fish?
Posted by: OHMYGOD

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 06/01/09 09:26 PM

SWEET!!!!
Thanks arlow!!
Posted by: Jighead

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 06/02/09 11:55 AM

While I'd love nothing more than to believe that there are 10-lb bass out there swimming around......I believe the majority of bass around here die of old age without ever reaching 8-lbs.

Some simply lack the genetics to ever be huge bass, but... just like people, some very small percentage live a lot longer than the average expected lifespan.

Even the picture Arlow put up is of an fatter than average bass. I don't know how long it is but I'd bet we'd all over guess the length of that bass. It is however thick in the shoulders and fat starting right at the tail. If they were all built like that, we'd be seeing more 9's.

There can be a few out there, no doubt, but in my opinion, it's a very very small number that most bass will never reach. Over 8-lbs, a bass can eat large meals so it's not going to be a matter of available food supply since they can feed on the largest of panfish, trout, other bass and anything that swims for that matter. It's going to come down to old age and genetics, two things that a fish has no control over.

Lake Saltonstall bass had the water quality, the forage base and genetics to grow huge bass and keep in mind that it was also closed to fishing for some 30+ years too and still...without fishing pressure and the possible negative genetic impacts of large bass harvest, it did not produce a bunch of huge bass when it was finally opened to fishing again. Some 8's even one 9's that I know of, but I never heard of a 10. If there was ever a place and time for it to happen in my lifetime....that was it.
Posted by: Joe.G

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 06/02/09 12:15 PM

Arlow is correct and I would add that there are guys out there, just like the California guys that target big bass with bait solely. I know quite a few guys that only fish this style. Big pike shiners, dace, anything legal that can be used effectively.

Most of them have tailored small boats to fit in small ponds that get less pressure and obviousley have no boat launch. They are quiet and efficient.

I used to have a modified crawdad (the best imo) and did my share many years ago but became more influenced by tournament fishing.

I entertained the idea of getting a new one but procrastination is a curse and as Arlow pointed out the artificials that are being used today are pretty amazing and produce consistently. If you wanna see some crazy $hit go to Bills Bait and Tackle. http://www.billsbait.com/

Dsouth probably has as many big baits as well from the pics that I've seen. Thats some crazy $hit right there.

I would like to spend some time up around the Cape area. I understand the fishing up there is phenomenal and there is a plethora of small ponds. I've become to lazy to use a small boat. I have had three or four over the last five years and have given every one away. I keep thinking that I should get my a$$ in the waters that are less pressured but again, laziness prevails.

I at least try to stick to smaller bodies with deeper water that have a boat launch and stocked trout to get a shot at at trophy. Now if I could just start putting my time in again maybe I'd catch something.

Even taking into consideration all these intangibles there are still not many big trophy fish caught per ratio of fisherman targeting them.
Posted by: Dsouth

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 06/03/09 01:19 PM

I feel timing and fishing trout water that has the landlocked alewives in CT is your best way to get a trophy LM. I fish waters like that solo in CT from my canoe or crawdad with big jigs, big worms and wood wake-baits all summer long. For me quiet is key and working big fish areas very slow with little trolling motor noise and no electronics always helps I feel. Confidence is the most important part of HOG LM hunting so believing in the area your working and the baits on your line will always help your results.
I 100% agree with Joe about Bill Q Bait Tackle store in Seekonk, Mass and if youre ever in that area of Mass you owe it to yourself to stop in to Bill shop. The # of HOG LM pictures along with the mounts on the walls is very impressive to say the least. Bills one of the better all around LM guys in the area and is one of the few guys that has landed a certified 10lb Mass LM. Back in 2002 Bill won the Mass gold pin for the biggest LM that year that went 10lbs even. That fish was caught from one of the Cape trout ponds on 8lb test floro and spider jig. The mount is on the wall at his store and is very impressive. Bills always willing to talk swim baits and all around LM fishing so spending a few hrs there can always improve your game.
I bought my 1st swim bait (12 MS Slammer Perch) from Bill many year and $$$ ago and my plan was to fish the great CT waters for pike. On my 1st trip I landed a 7lb2oz LM and a 14lb4oz pike and was hook ever since. My all-time top 3 PB are 9lbs2oz jig fish 1992, 9lb1oz sweet beaver fish 2006, 8lb15oz 10 worm fish 1992. My top 3 swim bait fish are 7lbs13 on a 3:16 I-UP trout pattern(CT LM),#2 was last years 7lb6oz MS Slammer LM and #3 was a 7lb2oz 2007 Woodtail LM. I did have a CT hog to the net last spring on a 8 Hudd that was as big if not bigger than any bass but one last head shake and she was gone.WTF. I relive that day and fish that same area and lake looking for that 2nd chance but bites like that around here is few and far between.
Heres a look at my 2 HOG hunting boats and a few of my new toys that I bought as of late.








I hope the next CT 10LB LM is mine guys.
Posted by: Al Cappy Jr

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 06/03/09 02:25 PM

Great stuff guys.
Posted by: Joe.G

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 06/03/09 02:57 PM

Good stuff Dan...Great little boat. I had one just like it until I crushed it learning to drive my bobcat...
Posted by: BASSMANinCT

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 06/03/09 04:11 PM

This past Sunday on Twin Lakes, I lost a huge fat cow on a 5 inch swim bait.

My partner and I were trying to catch a nice male bass on a nest in 10 ft of super clear water. This guy looked to be about 18 inches or 3 lbs just eyeballin it. Now, when you add the fact that he was 10 feet below the boat on a nest, you know this fish was probably much bigger. We tried jigging for him, but all he would do was come up to the bait and stare at it. A half hour goes by, and not one take.

Then all of a sudden, we spot his wife, slowly cruzin about 6 feet away, circling the next. She looked at least 5 lbs or two feet long. I threw my swim bait out towards where we saw her go, and sure enough, I hooked up with her. I got her in about 12 feet from the boat, and felt her rising up to jump, so I stopped reeling. She came up and opened up her mouth like that lion does at the begining of the movies, and looked like she was laughin at me. Then she darted straight down, and "SNAP" off she went, never to be seen again that day. She broke my 14 lb vanish fluro clean off.

She was huge, and would have been my biggest bass yet.
Posted by: RichZ

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 06/03/09 04:52 PM

Sorry to hear about your misfortune, but...

 Originally Posted By: BASSMANinCT
She broke my 14 lb vanish fluro clean off.


Therein, lies the problem.


Posted by: Flipper

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 06/03/09 05:23 PM

+1

Made that mistake once. Vanish is exactly what the fish did every time I set the hook with that junk. LOL
Posted by: RichZ

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 06/04/09 03:01 AM

This thread is a great read. Long (very long), but still an interesting look into the collective mind of the denizens of this site and their various views on the chances of seeing our state bass records broken.

I've avoided commenting on it for a while now (like 5 years between posts), but the renewed traffic in it has kind of revved me up. I wrote a lengthy treatise on my thoughts on the next Connecticut LMB record for my blog. If you're interested, click the link in my sig line and check it out.
Posted by: Joe.G

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 06/04/09 09:34 AM

Great article Rich.
Posted by: zzzzzzzzzzz

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 06/04/09 11:15 AM

interesting article Rich..

Interesting and a little sad. ha ha

But it makes a lot of sense. Every public body of water in Ct. has way too much pressure to catch a 13 pound bass. I think if there is a 13 pound bass in CT. it probably lives in one of the water companies private rez's. that no one is allowed to fish. I know of a few of these rez'z that i used to sneak into when i was a kid. Being a child and Not even being a good fisherman i would catch huge bass from the shore (8 pounds)

If the record is broken it would probably be a fish taken from one of these illegally fished rez's and the fisherman would lie and claim he caught it from somewhere else.
Posted by: zzzzzzzzzzz

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 06/04/09 11:44 AM

Here is a huge smallie that Rookie caught last week when he was fishing a new lake. Unfortunatly he didn't have a scale with him when he caught it.. yeah, the smallies are getting bigger each year.

Posted by: edaves

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 06/04/09 11:54 AM

ok, My take on a record fish existing in Ct waters is its very possible.
I've read reports of very good good fishermen fishing a controlled situation. A small pond would have a known population of bass. The anglers would fish the pond for a year, all fish recorded and tagged. Some fish were caught many times, others caught once, and, a number were not caught. The study thought these fish died or were otherwise taken. But when the pond was drained, voila, there they were.
If I was a betting person, I would bet on a new record fish coming from a out of the way pond, this pond might have some kind of cover option which would hinder the casual type angler.
Posted by: Jighead

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 06/04/09 01:03 PM

Well said Rich.

I'm a huge fan of the aggressive indescriminate feeding bass, but like you said, those are the bass most like caught and most likely caught the most often....and most likey end up being kept for dinner because of it.

I wonder if there might be any way to overcome that reality (in a perfect world) Maybe we keep bass caught on jigs and worms but release all the bass caught on aggressive presentations ;\)

Only my opinion again....but I think competiton breeds aggression too. In lakes with good bass populations they seem more competitive. We see it in smaller bass all the time, where the aggressive fish gets to the bait first. Throw a bait an equal distance between 2 bass and they just might be looking at the other bass more than they are looking at the bait. Whichever gets to it first wins. Obviously competition for food is much greater among 12" bass than it is with 24" bass for two reasons. First the 12" bass is limited on what food is available to them by the size of food that will fit in his mouth. Secondly it is surrounded by other hungry 12" bass too - not to mention every other crappie with a belly that is grumbling - so there's not time to be too selective and they need to act fast.

I find the same thing to be true in larger bass too if the population densities remain high. Problem is the bigger they get the less of them there will be to compete with, while they also become less and less limited by what will fit in their mouths. Still though, if you threw a bait between two 5 pounders....the instinct to get there first would still be present and your odds of catching one of those two are much improved in that situation than if either of those fish happened to be alone at the time.

The fact that the larger they get, the less of them there will be, is a given that we can't control(to a degree). Not to open a new can or worms here and debait slot limit management practices.....but the one issue I have with it, is that it results in more larger fish (over the slot) being removed from the population. I say in a trophy bass management lake, protect them all the way to 22" not 18".

In a typical CT lake/pond we have a relatively few big bass surrounded by excess forage, that don't even need to break a sweat to find a meal. In a few places I have found over many seasons (that shall remain nameless ;\) ) where good populations of larger than average bass exist, there is no panfish stunting. Actually the panfish don't roam the entire lake freely and they actually need to be cautious about where they swim. The bass need to work a little harder to find a meal and they will need to roam the shallows to do it. It is that competition for food that creates aggressive bass too. Where we have waters where there are so many panfish roaming the entire lake unchecked that a big bass can sit 100 yards off the bank in 15ft of water and accidently suck in a Bluegill while simply yawning......it is going to make for tough fishing.

Yes I exaggerate but only to make a point. We have lakes with excess forage base and a shortage of predatory fish according to the DEP......which in the simplist of terms means that it can easily support MORE large fish. Then why wouldn't we manage them for more large fish then?

Even if most people practice C&R on a particular lake and even if harvest rates are not significant from what they can tell - Legally or illegally, or accidently, every large bass removed or injured creates a void. Every 4-lb bass had a chance to be an 8-lb bass, until it's dead. I say set the management goals for "too many large bass" and see it we can ever actually get to that level \:\)
Posted by: Dsouth

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 06/04/09 01:47 PM

Rick Z great blog thanks for sharing it.
I feel the same way about my home state waters in Mass. Mass Cape Cod waters can stay ice free some years and that adds to the growing season but true certified 10lb fish are few and far between. Mass DEP has an all time list for the state of certified 10lb plus. After the state record freak 15lb8oz fish the numbers drop off fast. #2 is 13lbs even and is the only 13+ listed, # 3 is 12lbs1oz and is the only 12 listed ,# 4+ # 5 are 11lbs4oz + 11lbs2oz and after that there are 13 fish from 10lbs even to 10lbs15oz. Thats a total of 18 certified 10 plus in the state of Mass.
I feel both Mass + CT state records are very safe and hope someday to be proving wrong. Ever year I hear of a 10lb+ plus LM being caught in Mass but the truth is that it only happens about ever 5-6 years. Most years a 9+ takes the gold pin and back in 2005 an 8lb6oz was the winning bass. I feel any LM over 8lbs from our New England waters is a great fish.
I have seen the CT DEP list from 1965-1984 and the number of 10lb+ LM is very short with only a handful listed. I wish CT DEP would make a list of certified 10s and better for us to see see. Even a top 5 would be very interested to see.
I added a photo of the top 18 LM over 10lbs from Mass with #s of lengths and girths. Also a look at the 1975 Mass state record 28 X 23 LM that weigh 15lbs8oz on a tip-up.


Click to enlarge...

Posted by: Buck

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 06/04/09 01:51 PM

Rich, that was a great article in your blog.
Interesting you mention Saugatuck Res., on an electroshocking trip there a few years ago for walleye we had a half dozen bass and they were all large in the 4 or 5 pound range but extremely healthy and fat. Like a teenage high school football player that you can picture growing into a 300lb. defensive tackle these bass just looked like they had a lot more growing to do. That said, we never got many bass, just a few big ones.
Posted by: jjj

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 06/06/09 08:35 PM

Rich,

Great article in your blog!!!

Maybe this is a dumb question but what if someone was so obsessed in catching the record for the wrong reasons, like financial rewards from fishing line company, etc and raised Florida strain bass in a forage rich private pond with heaters to maintain metabolism. I know this is extreme but does the state require some type of proof (like a witness, etc)to make the record credible? Would there be an asterisk if the individual confessed that it was a private pond vs a public lake? Does the DEP even acknowledge trophy fish caught in private waters that are not regulated by any standard?

I know a state record for brown trout? was removed from the record books from Quonnipaug Lake. I believe the individual got it from a private hatchery but claimed he caught it legitimately.

I do remember in the connecticut river by Haddem neck had a warm water outflow where baitfish congregated in the winter which attracted LMB, SMB and pike that continued to feed at a higher percentage in the winter.

Some of the theories by a number of knowlwdgable posters are so interesting in this thread that I could easily sit in a diner for hours over coffee just listening to this type of talk and the contructive arguements.
Posted by: BASSMANinCT

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 06/12/09 06:17 PM

Great article Rich.

I think everything you say would also support why we are not seeing those 9+ lbers as often either. I definately think that a largemouth bass's life span in CT waters is about 12 years max. I think I remember reading somewhere that to reach 12 inches in CT, takes 2 years for a largemouth bass. During those 12 years, if it makes it taht long, you have said, it probably got caught many times over the years.

I remember Mongo posted a picture of a 2 inch largemouth he caught on a much longer worm


That bass is the kind Rich is talkin about, "Aggressive Feeder", and here it is, already being caught in it's first few months of its life.

One thing that came into mind with this picture: Do bass get conditioned to fisherman, learning that they will be released, and learning NOT to fear being caught? The tiny bass just learned about being caught!

Now, back to the record topic. I think everyone agree's, the record is not very likely to be broken, and before it is, there would have to be many many catches of 10+ size bass and 12 lbers before we would see that 14 pound record monster.

And here is a great article about bass, which states the life span of a largemouth about 8 to 10 years. So, that alone could be the exact reason we may never see it beat, and why not many 10+ lbers.
Posted by: rjgolden

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 06/21/09 08:02 PM

I think it is going to come from a private pond. Not alot of people fish private ponds. I know my cousins pond in chaplin has some big bass in it. there are large bass every where. Getting them big boys to bite is another story. Big bait equals big fish.
Posted by: Gambler Outlaw

New CT Record Largemouth , and Smallmouth? - 04/05/10 12:03 AM

NO , NEW RECORDS SET YET... just wondering what lake everyone thinks wil set the next records ?
Posted by: KillTaker

Re: New CT Record Largemouth , and Smallmouth? - 04/05/10 12:09 AM

Zoar, you know they're lurking there, somewhere??
Posted by: Michael-SW CT

Re: New CT Record Largemouth , and Smallmouth? - 04/05/10 01:25 AM

Squantz Pond smallmouth and Lakeville largemouth
Posted by: stumpy

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 04/05/10 11:19 PM

Cedar lake in chester.
Posted by: Scarm33

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 04/06/10 01:40 PM

For Smallies I am going to go with Snepsit Lake. Only 40 boats are allowed on it all season and a lot of them aren't even fisherman. Although it gets a good amount of shore fishing, the lake is basically untouched. There's gotta be a monster Smallie cruising in there. It is the current record holder, so I'm gonna go with the next big monster comes out of there. I will be camping overnight to make sure my canoe gets in this year.
Posted by: FondoFission

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 04/09/10 09:29 PM

Waramaug for both large and smallmouth. Not much pressure, plus the alewives grow them BIG in there. I also believe that Winchester could put out a 10+ lb largemouth no problem. My buddy caught one there ice fishing that went 8.12 and it was skinny. The structure in there leads me to think that there is just some slobs in there who really never move outside of maybe a 15 foot radius, just darting out from behind their log when a meal happens by.
Posted by: hdfish

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 04/11/10 06:10 AM

Beach pond in voluntown Ct, its a deep clear water lake, the state has shocked up many large bass in the 10pd range there.also the small month have come back in the lake.
Posted by: Tony Mel

Know of any 8lb+ CT LM Bass Caught since 1990? - 04/07/13 09:37 AM

Jimfish posted the LM Bass of a lifetime. WTG Jim!!!
Anyone know of an 8+lb LM Bass caught in CT waters since 1990? Post your statement and/or pic here. Here is Jim's 8 PLUSER:

Posted by: seeforellen

Re: Know of any 8lb+ CT LM Bass Caught since 1990? - 04/07/13 10:12 AM

ive seen a couple legit over 10lbs from hidden lake in haddam before they drained it for dam repairs.
Posted by: JerryinCt

Re: Know of any 8lb+ CT LM Bass Caught since 1990? - 04/07/13 10:36 AM

I know of 2- 9+lbs. Near RI border.
Posted by: The Real Iceman

Re: Know of any 8lb+ CT LM Bass Caught since 1990? - 04/07/13 11:25 AM

Here my son with his first bass...8.1 lbs....... by far one of my favorite pictures of my fishin buddy


Posted by: Tall 1

Re: Know of any 8lb+ CT LM Bass Caught since 1990? - 04/07/13 11:40 AM

Rubberdaddy caught an 8+ hog on a swimbait a few years ago
Joe G had a 9+ that made homepage
2 friends each caught 8+ while ice fishing a few winters ago
Dsouth has caught em in CT I'm sure. I know he lost one at the boat that may have been a 10...
Posted by: COBRA BAIT

Re: Know of any 8lb+ CT LM Bass Caught since 1990? - 04/07/13 11:50 AM

ct bass federation tournament ct river, amy perry caught a 9 in change off the day marker in middletown, and a couple years ago a guyfishing a candlewood tourney with the ny federation i think, he had a 9 in change also. i think there were pics of the candlewood one on here at one time.
Posted by: Daddy Pickle

Re: Know of any 8lb+ CT LM Bass Caught since 1990? - 04/07/13 01:16 PM

from the CTF records page
LM Bass Weight Length Location Caught In Angler Name Witness Date Link

1 9lbs 10oz Candlewood Lake Csimone Chris Simone Tournament 5/1/2005 http://www.ctfisherman.com/ubb/ultimatebb.php/ubb/get_topic/f/51/t/000002.html
2 8lb 6oz West Hill jlacadie John Lacadie Steve K. 10/1/2009 http://www.ctfisherman.com/ubbthreads/ub...ass#Post1147530
3 7lbs 15oz Amos Pond Chris Joe G. 6/18/2006 http://www.ctfisherman.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi/ubb/get_topic/f/51/t/001510/p/1.html
4 7lbs 12oz Pattagansett Findbass 9/7/2004 http://www.ctfisherman.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi/ubb/get_topic/f/2/t/004220.html
5 7lbs 8oz Winchester Lake Daddy Pickle Mike Allen Tom Allen 7/20/2005 http://www.ctfisherman.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi/ubb/get_topic/f/51/t/000420/p/1.html
Posted by: O-BASS

Re: Know of any 8lb+ CT LM Bass Caught since 1990? - 04/07/13 01:42 PM

huh. none of the links of pics to those old posts work... still, those are some massive bass.

dsouth probably lands a dozen 7+ fish per season, but i dont ever remember him cracking 8. we might get one per year. i dont think one was landed on this site last season, but we had several 7+.

far as i can tell, this april is yeilding some real monster fish:

jimfish: 8.5
dsouth: 7.4, 6.2, 5.7
buckcall: (boat) 7.0
JohnS: 5.0
O-BASS: 5.8, 5.0

this is one heck of a week....
Posted by: buckcall

Re: Know of any 8lb+ CT LM Bass Caught since 1990? - 04/07/13 09:56 PM

Here is a pic of last fall my buddy Ryan with a 8.14
Posted by: Jon Pski

Re: Know of any 8lb+ CT LM Bass Caught since 1990? - 04/07/13 09:57 PM

Where are the double digit fish???????????????????????
Posted by: Joe.G

Re: Know of any 8lb+ CT LM Bass Caught since 1990? - 04/08/13 06:09 AM

There was a 10 taken from long pond by Buster Brown approx. 10 yrs ago. Some say it was taken from lantern hill pond across the street. There was a 9.14 taken in a night tournament at Beach the same year I caught my 9.1.
Posted by: jdiorio21

Re: Know of any 8lb+ CT LM Bass Caught since 1990? - 04/08/13 01:11 PM

Not much of a bass fisherman but here is my PB. Not a 8lber but pretty damn close 7.9lbs. Caught 2 years ago on a jig. Same day I caught a 7.2ber. Caught it the last weekend of April.




Posted by: Jighead

Re: Know of any 8lb+ CT LM Bass Caught since 1990? - 04/08/13 01:20 PM

Originally Posted By: Jon Pski
Where are the double digit fish???????????????????????


South of the Mason Dixon line
A 7 in the north = a ten in the south. IMHO.
Posted by: Tall 1

Re: Know of any 8lb+ CT LM Bass Caught since 1990? - 04/08/13 02:57 PM

Jiggy, I forgot this one, but you had an 8 + from the aquarium a few years back didn't you?
Posted by: chris med

Re: Know of any 8lb+ CT LM Bass Caught since 1990? - 04/08/13 03:49 PM

i got an 8-3 and an 8-1 from Pachaug....... 7-15 from moodus confused2
Posted by: Wilderness_dave

Re: Know of any 8lb+ CT LM Bass Caught since 1990? - 04/08/13 04:09 PM

Quote:
Jiggy, I forgot this one, but you had an 8 + from the aquarium a few years back didn't you?

It's ok, he knows a guy.
Posted by: densik

Re: Know of any 8lb+ CT LM Bass Caught since 1990? - 04/08/13 09:56 PM

I've caught 5 over 8# @ beach pond. Seen another 8# weighed in at beach. And a 9-12 weighed in there also. I got a 9.1 @ lantern the same week joe g got his at beach. Another 8# at billings. Seen 3 more weighed in at long pond. 2 more at rogers. Held a tourney at wyassup and yes you guessed it a 8#er weighed in there. The icing on the cake is when I was showed a video of a fish that was caught at amos. This is a funny one. When the guy landed it his two buddies talked him into letting back into the water and land it again so they can video tape it. That fish weighed 10-2.
Posted by: COBRA BAIT

Re: Know of any 8lb+ CT LM Bass Caught since 1990? - 04/08/13 10:00 PM

second to now state record was out of moodus in the 80's i think?
Posted by: jbrisso

Re: Know of any 8lb+ CT LM Bass Caught since 1990? - 04/08/13 10:23 PM

I like icing....& 8 lb bass I was once told by a wise man you can not round up to an 8# either so I fall short with a 7# 13
Posted by: Tall 1

Re: Know of any 8lb+ CT LM Bass Caught since 1990? - 04/09/13 08:43 AM

Densik,
I'm shocked you never stuck or witnessed an 8+ from Patchaug with your knowledge and time on the water there.

Something happened to Beach over the years it isn't the same place anymore. Much better lakes out that Eastern way.
Posted by: Mitch P.

Re: Know of any 8lb+ CT LM Bass Caught since 1990? - 04/09/13 09:17 AM

Just merged this thread together with a old thread on big bass in CT. Happy reading.

Here's a link to page 1:
http://www.ctfisherman.com/ubbthreads/ubbthreads.php/topics/1490222/1
Posted by: densik

Re: Know of any 8lb+ CT LM Bass Caught since 1990? - 04/10/13 05:55 AM

Ya tall, beach has gone down the toilet. I have caught very few over 5# there. I don't know why but I've been very happy with the 3# avg that I do get there.
Posted by: O-BASS

Re: Know of any 8lb+ CT LM Bass Caught since 1990? - 04/10/13 02:04 PM

my cousin Dan has several over 8 from moodus, but not in the last 15 years.

i believe he has an 8.4 and a 9.5, both on jigs
Posted by: Dsouth

Re: Know of any 8lb+ CT LM Bass Caught since 1990? - 04/11/13 05:44 AM

Originally Posted By: Tall 1
Rubberdaddy caught an 8+ hog on a swimbait a few years ago
Joe G had a 9+ that made homepage
2 friends each caught 8+ while ice fishing a few winters ago
Dsouth has caught em in CT I'm sure. I know he lost one at the boat that may have been a 10...


My best CT LM was 8lbs even and was caught slow rolling 1oz spinner bait fishing for Northern Pike on a Nov afternoon many years ago, best swim-bait CT LM was 7lbs13oz. My top 4 Ma LM are 9lbs2oz, 9lbs1oz, 8lbs14oz and 8lbs6oz. The 9.1 was in 2007 and the other 3 back in the 90s.
Any year with a few over 7lbs I consider a great year so Jims 8.5 is a very special LM. Congrats Again Jim. bow2
Posted by: KillTaker

Re: Know of any 8lb+ CT LM Bass Caught since 1990? - 04/17/15 03:06 PM

zOAR.
Posted by: BLUECHIP

Re: Know of any 8lb+ CT LM Bass Caught since 1990? - 04/17/15 04:01 PM

Solid Bump there....
Posted by: JohnS

Re: Know of any 8lb+ CT LM Bass Caught since 1990? - 04/17/15 07:28 PM

I caught an 8.6 pound bass a couple of years ago.....in my sleep!
Posted by: mattmann7

Re: Know of any 8lb+ CT LM Bass Caught since 1990? - 04/17/15 08:00 PM

A few of my high school buddies were at Moodus today continuing their 20 plus year tradition of fishing for bass on the Friday before(the normal third Saturday) opening day. I had to work a 5 AM to 9 AM shift this morning. I tried to get my boat readied by 11 to join them and couldn't. So just to prove I have no life I read all 51 pages of this thread while they enjoyed their day on the water. The boats sitting in the driveway hooked to the truck and Im hoping it doesnt rain on Wednesday. All dressed up and no place to go.
Posted by: RyanandDave

Re: Know of any 8lb+ CT LM Bass Caught since 1990? - 04/17/15 08:18 PM

I saw three over 8 last year in one of the old clay pits on route 9 in Berlin during the spawn.. I always underestimate the weight so for me to say they were 8's is shocking. I wouldn't be surprised if someone pulled a 9+ this year out of there.
Posted by: Dsouth

Re: Know of any 8lb+ CT LM Bass Caught since 1990? - 04/22/15 12:10 PM

Originally Posted By: Tall 1
Densik,
I'm shocked you never stuck or witnessed an 8+ from Patchaug with your knowledge and time on the water there.

Something happened to Beach over the years it isn't the same place anymore. Much better lakes out that Eastern way.


Friend Paul C+R a 8.10 Beach Pond LM last year at night, I feel its still 1 of the better big fish lakes in eastern CT.

P-Hog has lots of 6lb class LM but no many over 7. rawk
Posted by: Jighead

Re: Know of any 8lb+ CT LM Bass Caught since 1990? - 04/23/15 11:35 AM

8's are just pre-spawn 7's anyway smile1
Posted by: Mitch P.

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 09/08/15 02:02 PM

Just in from DEEP. Here is a pic of the state record 12 lb., 11 oz caught at Mashapaug Lake in 1961.



More records and pics can be found here:
http://www.ct.gov/deep/cwp/view.asp?a=2696&q=322678&deepNav_GID=1630
Posted by: MarkO

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 09/08/15 11:57 PM

Thanks for reviving this post, Mitch. Is Greg still a member on the site?
Posted by: Mitch P.

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 09/09/15 08:15 AM

Greg hasn't posted in a while, but he's still a member. I'm in touch with him. I'll have to let him know there's now a pic of the record fish.
Posted by: RichZ

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 09/10/15 08:18 PM

I was going to read this whole thread, but it was giving me a headache, so I just read the first and last pages.


A few years back, there were a number of big bass caught in C'wood in the spring, and it generated a lot of "new record is coming" talk. I wrote my feelings on it in my blog. There may be a link to it somewhere in all the pages I skipped. Or not. So here's a link.


FWIW, I believe it's been over 20 years since an 11 pound plus fish has been verified from any CT waters.
Posted by: Mitch P.

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 09/11/15 12:23 AM


Posted by: MarkO

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 09/11/15 04:03 AM

Excellent posting Mitch, thanks again.

Some random thoughts on this:

1. It seems 1961 was a great year for land acquisitions in the state of Connecticut. I have launched from many of those locations as I'm sure most of you have, too. I checked out Toll Gate Pond in Greenwich on Google Earth and it looks to be a little swamp right next to the Merrit. But lets be honest here, ain't none of us Po' folks launching anything in Greenwich.

2. Public Access To Fishing Waters, revised in 1962, was available free upon request. A young Representative from Greenwich named Lowell Wiecker saw the absolute foolishness in this and brought forth a bill to the Capital aptly named "No More Shooting Fish in a Barrel". Since the passage of that bill, nothing in the Nutmeg state has been free. At a congratulatory party for Wiecker sources said that the much inebriated representative could be heard mumbling something to the effect "I'm not done with these assholes yet".

3. Raymond Stopka, Lake Satonstall, 1955 record catch for Calico Bass at 3lbs 13 oz. Try telling me this man is not related to our very own JohnS (Stopka)? If so, we now know how the lineage for all things panfish has been passed along. Congrats John - DNA verification pending.

4. I was unaware that the CT river held pike previous to the stocking program out of Haddam Meadows. The Bulletin reports that the Connecticut River shows indications that this waterway has tremendous sport fishing potential and is largely unexploited. Wasn't the river extremely polluted in the early 60's? Glad they got that one figured out.

5. As if there hasn't been enough foolishness in this post, how incredible would it be to transport yourself and all of your gear, electronics and boat back to 1961 for a week and fish any of the bodies of water that you fish now, back then?
Posted by: JohnS

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 09/11/15 04:44 AM

Originally Posted By: MarkO
Excellent posting Mitch, thanks again.

Some random thoughts on this:



3. Raymond Stopka, Lake Satonstall, 1955 record catch for Calico Bass at 3lbs 13 oz. Try telling me this man is not related to our very own JohnS (Stopka)? If so, we now know how the lineage for all things panfish has been passed along. Congrats John - DNA verification pending.



WOW that was my fathers cousin I do believe, (my second cousin) I will have to verify this when I see my father tomorrow.
I didn't know he held the state record for calico bass for awhile!
The Stopka's were a fixture on Lake Saltonstall from the 50's until it closed. I have heard many "stories" from my father and uncles. Cool find. smile1
Posted by: Jighead

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 09/12/15 11:02 AM

Cool - And Yes----Raymond was a crappie catching fool and may be the reason Lidy Heights has them from what I heard.
Posted by: Dsouth

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 03/02/16 07:23 AM

I Had a CT State Record class LM follow 1 of my swim-baits to the boat on a dead flat calm day last Nov, I got a real good look at her. I know where she lives so the hunt is on my problem is its a trout stocked pond so I have to wait till opening day, unfortunately thats 6 weeks of prime-time fishing away. Not a big fan of the opening day CT rules kind of wish LM guys could fish the trout waters via C+R, CTF any thoughts on that idea? bass
Posted by: trout tracker

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 03/02/16 09:28 AM

My only thought would be to do away with "opening day" all together.
Posted by: EGGNOG

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 03/02/16 10:44 AM

I agree. It's ridiculous.
Posted by: JohnS

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 03/02/16 03:18 PM

You should be able to fish when you want to.
Posted by: Dsouth

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 03/03/16 10:30 AM

Originally Posted By: JohnS
You should be able to fish when you want to.

Its that way in Mass but RI + CT I have to wait confused2 still think C+R should be allowed.
Posted by: Jighead

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 03/06/16 10:51 AM

...if I don't have a Trout Stamp....then I'm not trout fishing right????

Problem solved.

Posted by: Jighead

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 02/05/20 06:38 PM

bump

smile1
Posted by: JohnS

Re: RECORD LARGEMOUTH!!! - 02/09/20 07:17 PM

Ahhhh I reread the whole thing! My biggest in CT. Is still 7.11 caught in 2011. My all time best is 9.9 but i cheated and went south. stirthepot