6 pound 13 ounce - 19 and 1/4 inche Smallmouth

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Here is a new release from the North Dakota Game and Fish Department.

New State Record Smallmouth Bass Caught

Bruce Elberg's catch on April 14 is the first entry on North Dakota's list of state record fish since 2005. The Burlington angler reeled in a 6-pound, 13-ounce smallmouth bass from Lake Darling.

The 19 and one-quarter inch fish broke the old record of 5 pounds, 15 ounces taken by Roger Haugen of Jamestown in 2003 at Spiritwood Lake.

A new state record smallmouth from Lake Darling is not a total surprise, according to Greg Power, fisheries chief with the state Game and Fish Department. "Although big smallmouth bass in Lake Darling are not common, the heaviest smallmouth registered with the department's Whopper program last year did come from there," Power said.

Smallmouth bass opportunities throughout North Dakota have increased dramatically, Power mentioned, as a result of new introductions and stocking efforts that began about 15 years ago. "Today, most lakes and reservoirs in which smallmouth bass were introduced now have self-sustaining populations," he said.

In the past four years, more than 50 smallmouth bass of at least four pounds and a handful over five pounds were entered in the Whopper Club (three pound minimum) from 15 different North Dakota fisheries.

Although some people harvest big smallmouth bass, Power said most anglers continue to practice catch-and-release. In the past four years, more than 450 catch-and-release reports have been recorded.

To qualify for the department's Catch and Release Club, a smallmouth bass must measure 16 inches.

Is it possible for a 19 inch smallie to weigh 6 pounds. I have caught a few 19's in my day of fishing but I don't think they were anywhere near 6 pounds. Does a fish from a lake weigh more than a fish of the same lenght from a river? I don't know. Just doesn't seem right to me.

[Ralph Wiggum]

Quote:

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Is it possible for a 19 inch smallie to weigh 6 pounds. I have caught a few 19's in my day of fishing but I don't think they were anywhere near 6 pounds. Does a fish from a lake weigh more than a fish of the same lenght from a river? I don't know. Just doesn't seem right to me.

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Lake fish are chunkier than river fish, but just over 19 inches and nearly 7 pounds seems unreal. I'd like to see a photo.

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I would like to see one as well I will have to search for it. I don't know how to post them on here but I will put a link if I find it. Ok I found a link http://www.areavoices.com/dougleier/?blog=8243 but it doesn't look very big to me!

[Royce Aardahl]

Looks like a big girth. Dandy fish! ND requires fish to be wieghed on a certified scale so it should be real. I know I've caught a few that are really heavy and short. Gotta get a scale.

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Yep I guess I will have to make a purchase.

[ikatcher]

we here in mn don't get a chance to fish for smallies in mid april, i'm guessing the girth would be larger (full of eggs). seems on the heavy side. i've caught some dandy 19- 20 inchers on mill lacs, but i know they were'nt 6 lbs probably short of 5 lbs

[BrianLucky13]

The fish was full of eggs!!!! Thats one bad thing about ND. I have a 23.5 incher on the wall that weighed 6.6 lbs and my dad has a 23.75 incher that weighed 6.8 pounds if that helps you guys out a little.