The term “bass” refers to numerous distinct fish species across different families, making the question of the world’s largest catch complex. Freshwater anglers typically seek black bass species, which are part of the sunfish family. Saltwater anglers pursue true bass and sea bass that can grow to immense sizes. Consequently, the record depends entirely on the specific species being discussed, meaning a single answer is impossible.
The Freshwater King: The World Record Largemouth Bass
The most sought-after title in freshwater fishing belongs to the Largemouth Bass (Micropterus salmoides), and its world record is famously held by two anglers in a historic tie. The first record was established on June 2, 1932, by George W. Perry, who caught a bass weighing 22 pounds and 4 ounces from Montgomery Lake, Georgia, USA. Perry’s catch stood alone for 77 years.
This long-standing record was finally equaled on July 2, 2009, by Manabu Kurita, who landed a fish of the exact same weight from Lake Biwa in Japan. Kurita’s bass was caught using a live bluegill as bait. The International Game Fish Association (IGFA) officially recognized the catch as a tie because its rules require a new record to exceed the previous one by a minimum of 2 ounces.
The Largemouth Bass record remains 22 pounds, 4 ounces, jointly held by these two catches. For context, the world record for the Smallmouth Bass (Micropterus dolomieu) is 11 pounds, 15 ounces, and the Spotted Bass record is 11 pounds, 4 ounces. These records highlight the exceptional nature of the 22-pound Largemouth, which is nearly double the weight of its closest freshwater relatives.
Saltwater Giants: Defining the True Heavyweights
The marine environment reveals the true heavyweights that legitimately carry the “bass” name, often dwarfing their freshwater cousins. The largest species by far is the Giant Sea Bass (Stereolepis gigas), a massive fish found in the temperate waters of the Northeast Pacific. This species holds the all-tackle world record for size, weighing 563 pounds and 8 ounces.
This record-holding Giant Sea Bass was caught by James D. McAdam, Jr. near Anacapa Island, California, in 1968. The black bass species, like the Largemouth, are technically members of the sunfish family, while the Giant Sea Bass belongs to the wreckfish family.
Another significant contender is the Striped Bass (Morone saxatilis), one of the most popular anadromous game fish. The all-tackle record for this species is 81 pounds and 14 ounces, caught by Gregory Myerson off Westbrook, Connecticut, in 2011. The Striped Bass is a powerful fish that represents the largest of the temperate bass family.
How Fishing Records Are Verified and Maintained
Official recognition of a world record catch is managed primarily by the International Game Fish Association (IGFA), which maintains strict rules to ensure accuracy. To qualify for an all-tackle record, the catch must be weighed on a certified scale that has been approved and calibrated within the last year. Detailed documentation is required, including clear photographs of the fish, the angler, the rod and reel used, and the scale reading.
The angler must also submit the line and terminal tackle used, allowing the IGFA to verify that the equipment adheres to the rules for the specific record category. Furthermore, the catch must be made in accordance with the IGFA’s International Angling Rules, which govern ethical fishing practices and prohibit methods like snagging or using illegal gear. All information, including witness statements, is meticulously reviewed before a record is approved.