Glendive, Mont. angler Melvin McDonald may have caught the new state record smallmouth bass on Friday. He was fishing on Fort Peck Reservoir which, according to Montana Department of Natural Resources officer Craig Putchat, has seen an explosion of great smallmouth bass fishing this year. The smallmouth weighed 6.7 pounds and measured 22.5 inches long. The pending record bass was caught on a Berkley Gulp Minnow while bottom bouncing for walleyes. Photo courtesy of Craig Putchat. The fish is pending approval as a state record currently.

Beauty! 

Uh oh! Here we go again..... Uhh, let me start. I say it shoudn't count. After all, he was fishing for walleyes...lol.

Hootie

Such ashame it wasn't released to b caught again

that is one ugly smallmouth.

Such ashame it wasn't released to b caught again

 

 

If you want the state record most often that fish is going to be dead because of the lengthy verification process. Any licensed angler has the right to keep that fish if they want their name in the record books. There is no shame in that decision.

What's the current record ?

 

A-Jay

If you want the state record most often that fish is going to be dead because of the lengthy verification process. Any licensed angler has the right to keep that fish if they want their name in the record books. There is no shame in that decision.

I'm sure he had his reason to keep it.I understand that but at the same time I'm sure he had a scale and a tape measure and a cell phone to take a pic.

I'm sure he had his reason to keep it.I understand that but at the same time I'm sure he had a scale and a tape measure and a cell phone to take a pic.

 

 

Maybe he did, maybe he did not. That is not the point. Most states require a state record be weighed on a certified scales like you find at a meat market or grocery store. Some states require the fish be examined by dnr or a biologist to certify it is the correct species. Many times a witness is required for the weighing process besides the scale operator. It is not a simple process like you suggest. 

Maybe he did, maybe he did not. That is not the point. Most states require a state record be weighed on a certified scales like you find at a meat market or grocery store. Some states require the fish be examined by dnr or a biologist to certify it is the correct species. Many times a witness is required for the weighing process besides the scale operator. It is not a simple process like you suggest.

your just trying to justify the reason.all I said was it was ashame it can't b caught again.I didn't say I wouldn't have kept it.its a record plain and simple but so was dottie who was caught 3 times....

What's the current record ?

A-Jay

6.66 lbs, 21" sounds like a tie or co record.

Tom

6.66 lbs, 21" sounds like a tie or co record.

Tom

Thanks Tom - sounds like that official measurement will be pretty close.

 

A-Jay

That fish is beauty

6.6 lbs is the record? dammn I would have broken it 15 times this year alone.

6.6 lbs is the record? dammn I would have broken it 15 times this year alone.

 

 

WOW?  Really?  That is quite the feat.  A   6 3/4lb smallie is huge man!  15 times.  Congrats!  I am still looking to break the 5lb mark!

 

Jeff

6.6 lbs is the record? dammn I would have broken it 15 times this year alone.

15 times?  That is crazy, especially considering the Ontario record is under 10lbs.

 

It would be like me catching a 11lb LM here in va 15 times this season....kudos to you

6.6 lbs is the record? dammn I would have broken it 15 times this year alone.

 

OK Man - time to start posting up some big bass photos . . . .

 

A-Jay

OK Man - time to start posting up some big bass photos . . . .

 

A-Jay

and a picture of the calibrated scale

The Dale Hollow world record was caught by a guy trolling for walleye.

The Dale Hollow world record was caught by a guy trolling for walleye.

Those walleye fisherman catch some big fish besides walleye.

I usually don't take pics because 90% the time I fish alone, but last weekend I went out with my buddy and he caught a 6 1/2 lber - Not uncommon on the lake we fish. Now the biggest LMB we catch around here are 7-8lbs max.

Btw: I use a Boga grip if anyones wondering.

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I usually don't take pics because 90% the time I fish alone, but last weekend I went out with my buddy and he caught a 6 1/2 lber - Not uncommon on the lake we fish. Now the biggest LMB we catch around here are 7-8lbs max.

Btw: I use a Boga grip if anyones wondering.

Uploaded with ImageShack.us

 

Nice fish.

 

A-Jay

Ill pass it on to my friend =)

Real nice fish.  

I honestly think the SM 9.13LB Ontario record will be broken soon. Guys that fish tournaments are getting 20-25lb daily bags regularly now (especially on Lake Simcoe and Rice lake). Heck I was .8oz short of tying the record just this year alone.