Bass is one of the most prized and sought-after freshwater fish in the U.S. George Perry held the world record for the biggest bass ever caught at 22 pounds, 4 ounces in Georgia back in 1932. In 2023, a new fishing legend has emerged from the waters of Texas. Could this new Texas giant finally dethrone the champion?
Lea Anne Powell’s Epic Bass Catch
For avid angler Lea Anne Powell, it was a fishing trip like no other. Equipped with her trusty 10-pound line, she set out on Texas’ Lake Fork, a popular hotspot for catching trophy bass. But little did Powell know, an enormous catch was waiting beneath the surface—one that would exceed her expectations.
Patience Paid Off
After hours of patience, she hooked something massive—a bass so large it would go on to smash records for her line class. In the world of sport fishing, this was the kind of story that would soon become legend. Powell knew that soon, her name would become a worldwide sensation.
A 10-Minute Fight
The battle to bring the bass to shore was no easy feat. For 10 adrenaline-pumping minutes, Powell fought against the sheer strength and determination of the fish. Every time she thought she had it close enough to net, the bass made another powerful run, trying to snap her line or pull the rod from her grip.
Winning Over Nature
Powell’s experience and skill as an angler were put to the ultimate test, but she refused to give up. Finally, she reeled in the massive fish after a tense back-and-forth, securing a once-in-a-lifetime catch. Even though largemouth bass are known to be fierce fighters, the fish finally gave in.
Powell Contacted The IGFA
Realizing she had something extraordinary, Powell wasted no time contacting the International Game Fish Association (IGFA), the organization responsible for tracking world fishing records. In March 2023, she submitted all the necessary information and evidence to verify her incredible catch.
It Wasn’t An Immediate Yes
The process required precise measurements, photographs, and detailed descriptions to ensure that her record-breaking bass met the IGFA’s strict guidelines. Powell even sent a sample of the line she used as the IGFA had to confirm that her catch was eligible for a spot in the angling history records.
After Three Months, It Was Officially Confirmed
Once again, patience became key as Powell waited for the IGFA’s ruling. The verification process took a grueling three months as experts reviewed her submission and cross-checked all details to confirm the legitimacy of her claim. Finally, the news came in: Powell’s bass was officially recognized as the largest ever caught on a 10-pound line!
A Category Change
While Powell’s bass shattered records in the 10-pound line category, there was a small twist in the tale. The IGFA doesn’t officially recognize a 10-pound line class. As a result, her catch was recorded under the 12-pound line category instead, where it still set a new record. Despite the minor change, the achievement remains just as significant.
Not Her First Big Largemouth
While Powell’s record-breaking bass is undoubtedly her crowning achievement, it wasn’t her first experience with landing a big one. In fact, she had previously caught another largemouth bass that weighed an impressive 7 pounds and 8 ounces. For most anglers, that would be a fish of a lifetime, but for Powell, it was just a stepping stone on her incredible path to breaking records.
Finding Peace in Fishing
Powell describes her time on the lake as therapeutic, a way to connect with nature and escape daily stresses. Fishing became her coping mechanism after losing both parents, and over time, the calming waters deepened that bond, making her catch even more meaningful.
