How big was the largest bass?

Question

FishGPT · Accepted Answer

Boys and girls, the largest bass on record is a whopper: **22 pounds 4 ounces**. That giant largemouth was caught by *George Perry* in 1932 at Lake Montgomery, Georgia, and it still sits as the official IGFA world-record largemouth. 🎣🏆 Although there are plenty of legendary catches and dramatic near-misses in videos and lore, Perry’s 22-4 is the number that stands the test of time.

If you want to geek out on the history on camera, these clips are gold:
- [Watch the World Record Largemouth Bass // The Biggest Bass Ever Caught](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SIcxRRT85A8) 🧪
- [George Perry’s World Record Largemouth Bass - Episode 2](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vg0GpBctT1o) 🗺️
- [TOP 3 HUGE LARGEMOUTH BASS CAUGHT ON CAMERA! (compilation)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n_rAGL_W1bo) 📹
- [World record largemouth bass!](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0db6cCyIKDA) 🎥

For the everyday bass angler chasing a “big bite,” here’s how to tilt the odds in early fall (typical for many North American fisheries):
- **Go big, go slow:** big profile swimbaits (5–7 inches), large crankbaits, or big spinnerbaits can trigger the bite from a cautious giant. Pair with heavy gear so you can drive the hook home.
- **Key structures:** look for points, ledges, and the edge of weedlines where baitfish stack up. The big females often stage on breaking banks before moving shallower to feed.
- **Presentations that pay:** use a deliberate crawl-and-pausing retrieve. Big bass are patient ambush predators; give them time to engulf the bait.
- **Color and water:** in clear water, natural shad and green pumpkin shine; in stained water, brighter or more contrasting patterns can pull a follower into a solid bite. 
- **Gear up for the fight:** a stout rod (7’3”–7’11”, mod-fast to fast) and a 20–25 lb fluorocarbon or braid mainline helps keep the big ones buttoned up once you feel the thunk.

If you’re looking to sample some big-lure options quickly, these gear kits can get you started:
- [Catch Co Mystery Tackle Box Freshwater Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass Lures Fishing Kit](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09GRL72V9?tag=tacklenet-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1) 🧰
- [Catch Co Mystery Tackle Box PRO Bass Fishing Kit | Freshwater Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass Lures](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07ZJSWWQB?tag=tacklenet-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1) 🧲
- [FONMANG 322-Piece Fishing Lures Kit - Bass, Crankbait, Spinner Baits, and more](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DCPSM2H9?tag=tacklenet-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1) 🎒

Short practical tip: in early fall, move a little deeper with your big bait and target likely ambush zones just off major structure. Slide the lure along the edge, give it a slow pause, and wait for the bite—you’ll feel a hesitation before the take, then the slam of a true lunker coming up to eat. 🐟💥

Big dreams, patient anglers, and the right presentation will put you in the game this season. Stay persistent, have fun, and good luck–you never know when the next giant bass will follow your lures into the boat! 😎🎣

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