From the Fishing the World 2015 issue of Sporting Classics.
It’s been nearly 40 years since the International Game Fish Association began keeping freshwater world records—previously the responsibility of Field & Stream. When the torch was passed in 1978, the current freshwater records were handed over to the IGFA. Presently, the IGFA has more than 2,000 approved freshwater world records from 67 different countries.
But this isn’t a lesson in stats. It’s about ten incredible freshwater world records; records that have not always received the same exposure as George Perry’s largemouth or Cal Johnson’s muskie, despite being comparable in significance.
What follows is the fascinating story behind one of these world-records: the smallmouth bass.
In the world of freshwater fishing, especially in North America, there are few species more heavily targeted than the smallmouth bass. So it is no surprise that David Hayes’ celebrated 5.41 kg (11-pound, 15-ounce) smallmouth has seen its share of controversy over the years.
Hayes caught his record fish on July 9, 1955, while trolling a lure in Tennessee’s Dale Hollow Reservoir. Hayes held the All-Tackle title for 41 years, despite swirling rumors denouncing his catch. These rumors, coupled with an affidavit stating that the dock owner had added lead weight to the catch (unbeknownst to Hayes), resulted in the temporary ousting of Hayes’ record. However, nine years later multiple polygraph tests proved that the sworn affidavit that denounced the legitimacy of Hayes’ smallmouth had been falsified, thus returning the All-Tackle title to Hayes.
Despite the controversy surrounding Hayes’ smallmouth, it has withstood the test of time—and quite a few polygraphs, too. The IGFA has a rich 76-year history in the worlds of fishing, conservation, and representing recreational anglers from around the world. You can become a member of the IGFA today for full access to all of its world records, great angling tips, and to support the organization’s world-wide efforts to promote ethical angling through productive science, conservation, education, rule-making, and record keeping. Find out more: www.igfa.org. +++
Jack Vitek is the world-records coordinator at IGFA.
The previous story is an excerpt from Vitek’s article entitled “Timeless Freshwater World Records,” which appeared in the October/December issue of International Angler, the official magazine of the International Game Fish Association.