Went fishing today at Varner looking for a fish I saw yesterday getting ready to get on a bed way over ten pounds that I thought was at least 13lbs. Instead I found this fish floating that was 15lbs 1oz when the scale was still. We also had a good day fishing catching our best fish weighing eight pounds on a swimbait with our best five estimated between 28-30 lbs. I hated to find this big fish dead but it gives me confidence that other 15 lbers and over are in the lake since this is the second 15lb floater found in less than a year.

Wow, what a beastly corpse... That is too bad that it is dead though. Do you have a pic showing the entire body? How far is varner from Atlanta again? I plan on doing alot of fishing all over the place this summer lol

Two 15 pounders found floating?  What is the Varner lake record?  Let's see....  move into Fish Chris's neighborhood or move near Varner???  Tough decision...  

Two 15 pounders found floating? What is the Varner lake record? Let's see.... move into Fish Chris's neighborhood or move near Varner??? Tough decision...

The unofficial record is 18lbs and it was caught, weighed, and pictured twice.  It was caught by the same guy.  I think the "official"  record is 15lbs or something like that.

I'll bet that stank pretty good...

You know, these photos aren't making the time pass any more quickly.  

IMO it is a sign of a good fishery when you find old fish like that dead.  It is definitely the sign of a good body of water when they get that big.

Hmm might want to check in with your local environmental agency about fish dieing. 15lbs huh, dont forget that fish lose weight after they die.

That looks like the one I caught a week and 1/2 ago. It took some hooks in the gill and I was hoping it would survive but... :

I'm guessing the strain of spawning was too much for the ole girl.

Reminds me of this time..................................nevermind.  8-)

I'm guessing the strain of spawning was too much for the ole girl.

Reminds me of this time..................................nevermind. 8-)

OK, that was a spit my drink all over my computer screen one ;D ;D ;D ;D

Oh yeah, and let me add ........ eewwwwww!!