for the last couple weekends on strike king pro model jigs me and my dad (he only got a little seven pounder) have been catching huge bass.  the biggest one was about ten pounds.  I was wondering if i catch the md record should i give it to bass pro or just release it and let it live in the wild.  i'm thinking i should just release it.

This one is definitely a toss up for me. On one hand, I would like the recognition of catchin a largemouth in MD over 11lbs 2oz for sure! And it would be cool to walk into Bass Pro, go up to the tank and say "that's my bass"! BUT.......... one of my friends has a state record in MD and the harrassment that he received (on a less popular sport fish) would really make me think twice. Obviously, loosing the gene pool that big girl would have would be tragic too!

By the way, DNR does have a 10lb plus club. To the best of my knowledge, there are only 4 or 5 anglers currently in the club for MD.

Let's see some pics of these 10lb Maryland bass.

I am intrigued....

no pictures of the ten because i had no camera with me but i do have a picture of my dads seven i just need to upload it.

Excluding the tidal record that was previously broken a while back, here is the last 10lb largemouth that I know of to be caught in MD. It was caught in a private pond.

http://www.bassresource.com/bass_fishing_forums/YaBB.pl?num=1194059067/10#10

Sean, that wasnt directed at you...

In that post you quoted, I am the next poster under the picture.  I remember that thread well.

I always believe that pictures remove a lot of the doubt with big bass.  I have little doubt that ptomacbass caught a large fish.  I am sure his dad caught a large fish, maybe one that weighed 7lbs.

You and I both know, there is a BIG difference in a 7lb and a 10lb largemouth bass though...

Pictures would help.  Pictures of a fish on a scale would really help...

a year ago i got a nice 8 on your weapon of choice. it seems where i fish you either get a 2 or 8 pounder. for example yesterday evening fishing toads all i got was a one and two pounder.

Sean, that wasnt directed at you...

In that post you quoted, I am the next poster under the picture. I remember that thread well.

I always believe that pictures remove a lot of the doubt with big bass. I have little doubt that ptomacbass caught a large fish. I am sure his dad caught a large fish, maybe one that weighed 7lbs.

You and I both know, there is a BIG difference in a 7lb and a 10lb largemouth bass though...

Pictures would help. Pictures of a fish on a scale would really help...

Hey Wayne,

No worries! I know it wasn't directed at me, just thought I'd throw that one out there for reference.    

ptomacbass,

Good deal on the 8! The majority of my bigger bass have come on a spinnerbait.

it was a big bps lazer eye.  i can't wait for the new strike king burners to come out.  i bet the bass will love em.

i'm going out today while my sister and dad practice softball.  i'll try for big bass with a 10 or 12 inch worm.  i'll bring the camera if my dad lets me.

That brings up a good point.  I was at Bass Pro Shop in MD and did not see the state record bass that was given to them earlier this year.  Does anyone know what happened to it?  It was there a couple of months ago.  I am concerned that it may have died on their watch.

That brings up a good point. I was at Bass Pro Shop in MD and did not see the state record bass that was given to them earlier this year. Does anyone know what happened to it? It was there a couple of months ago. I am concerned that it may have died on their watch.

That's a good question. I didn't notice it the last time I was there either. But then, with "Megan" being in the tank, it's hard to focus on the other bass when that one is just so big!

I would have to agree with Basser on this one. Certifying a state record fish is very much a headache. Catch that beauty, take a picture, get a replica. Nice job ptomacbass on the monster bass those kind of bass in MD are few.

thats what i think i'll do so the fish can live in the wild.  Didn't get many yesterday.  i fished a buzzbait and had about 12 blow ups but only landed 2 they were about 1 and 2 pounds.  i waited about 3 seconds to set the hook but i still lost most of em. i think they were small because i had a six incher jump out of the water with my buzzbait in his mouth.  he wasn't even hooked. ;D

That brings up a good point. I was at Bass Pro Shop in MD and did not see the state record bass that was given to them earlier this year. Does anyone know what happened to it? It was there a couple of months ago. I am concerned that it may have died on their watch.

She's in there, and quite healthy!  I was there the night that Mr. Justin Riley brought the fish in and it was in less then fair condition.  I ended up spending about 3 hours alone with that fish in the back room keeping her under water and breathing.  She went from floating, to moving her fins, to swimming a few laps around the tank in the back room.

That's a surprisingly big tank, with plenty of places to hide.  She normally will sit near the back wall close to or above the boat.  It seems a common place for the bigger bass, actually.  Meaghan, a fish donated at the store opening from Missouri, would sit there until she passed away a few years ago.