A Michigan man’s broke a 109-year-old state record October 18 when he hauled in a 9.33 ounce smallmouth bass from Hubbard Lake in Alcona County, according to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources.
Greg Gasiciel of Rhodes, Mich., (pictured above) was casting a green-colored twister-tail grub when the 24.5 inch smallie hit. The previous record for smallmouth was set in 1906 and registered at 9.25 pounds and was 27.25 inches long, according to the Michigan DNR.
Gasiciel was fishing in a local tournament with his partner Scott Summerfield when the monster hit, according FLWFishing.com.
The record was verified by Kathrin Schrouder, a DNR fisheries biologist in Bay City.
“This is additional evidence that Michigan truly has world-class bass fisheries,” said Jim Dexter, Department of Natural Resources Fisheries chief. “Smallmouth bass is one of the most popular, most sought-after sportfish in North America. Even though the Michigan state record stood for more than 100 years, we’re excited to see the bar set even higher for those who set out to land this iconic fish.”
State records are recognized by weight only. To qualify for a state record, fish must exceed the current listed state-record weight and identification must be verified by a DNR fisheries biologist.
For more information on fishing in Michigan, including other state-record catches, visit michigan.gov/fishing.
(Image courtesy of Michigan DNR)