not to get into an arguement over it but there are times when a fish will shake a bait off and end up having it rehooked during a head shake , there were witnesses to his account of what happened plus video of the account .

Not arguing with you just clarifying what happened and our states regulations. Add a link to the video mentioned, like to see that. I did see a video of the bass being weighed. Several witnesses came foreward to state the bass was foul hooked, the bass was immediately released. It's a shame Dottie wasn't documented officially on that day before being released, phenomenal bass that should have been the world record, if caught legally.

Really interesting thread, although I have no ambition -- an no interest, really -- in catching a record of any kind. I almost always fish solo, I have no livewell, and I will not ever keep a trophy bass, so I'm unlikely to ever have a fish certified for any reason, much less a world (or state, or whatever) record.

 

But I am rooting for the rest of y'all.

 not to sound bias but I think it's gonna be California.   WRB/Tom is right. I can see the biggest being caught then let go b4 verification. most bass fisherman in Ca are very conservative with catches and most will probably never get more than a quick pic b4  being put back in.