This is the 21st year of the program, and the record was caught in 1982.    The SAL program has averaged over 21 bass in the teens during the 4 month program ever year.    Thats not too shabby for 1/3 of the year.

Matt.

Thanks. I was trying to find it, I wasnt sure if the state record (18.18) was the biggest or not...

Speedbead,

If I recall (from talking to Barry St. Clair) who caught it, the SR bass was taken to the fish hatchery, but died three or four days later.  St. Clair caught the bass on a crappie hook in about 40+ feet of water.  It was reeled up too fast and had air bladder issues (I'm not sure if it was distended or not).  It never could recover.  St. Clair used to work at the Fisheries Center at Athens after he caught it (I talked with him after the dive show which he emcee'd. ) I'm not sure if he still works there anymore.  

(Afterthought)  It is really surprising that our state record has lasted so long.

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Fisher

Thats a shame. Those deep fish can be tough to keep alive, from what I hear.

Wayne