Smallmouth Bass Record Broken in Michigan After 109 Years

For the sixth time this year, a Michigan angler has broken the state record for largest fish. This time it’s a smallmouth bass, and the previous record stood for 109 years. 

Greg Gasiciel of Rhodes, Michigan was bait-casting with a green grub when he landed a 9.33-pound, 24.50-inch smallmouth bass from Hubbard Lake in Alcona County, according to a press release by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. 

“This is additional evidence that Michigan truly has world-class bass fisheries,” said DNR chief Jim Dexter said in the release. “Smallmouth bass is one of the most popular, most sought-after sportfish in North America. Even though the Michigan state record stood for more than 100 years, we’re excited to see the bar set even higher for those who set out to land this iconic fish.”

Michigan state records are set based on weight, regardless of length or girth. The previous state record for smallmouth bass was set back in 1906 with a 9.25-pound, 27.25-inch fish taken from Long Lake in Cheboygan County caught by man identified as W.F. Shoemaker. Nice catch Mr. Shoemaker. Your record stood for a long time. 

Photo credit: Michigan DNR