Bagwell's Bass Tactics: It's a World Record Bass
by Jeremiah T. Bagwell
Ok, so it does seem a little unfair that California is pretty much a guaranteed lottery ticket for catching a bass over the 22 pound 4 ounce mark set back in 1932. Oh well, there isn't too much left in life that is fair. I don't care if Barry Bonds grew a 30 pound bass in a pond behind the BALCO laboratories. If he catches that fish in accordance to the law, it is a world record. Just because the fish had been fed some "I didn't know they were illegal" steroids, does not make it an illegal catch or any less of a world record (unless there is some anti-doping rule that I am unaware of).
As much as I wish Perry's bass would maintain the record forever, I know it won't happen. Someday an angler in sunny southern California is going to be casting a 4 pound, 20 inch swim bait and he/she will catch a 25 pound bass. That angler may or may not even be aware that the fish had been fed a smorgasbord of trout its entire life. Even if they do know, the likelihood of them actually caring is slim to none. Besides, we don't care that our lakes are stocked with millions of other baby fish each year. We also don't care when a truckload of crawdads are dumped on the shoreline and we definitely don't feel any guilt when Tilapia are stocked into a body of water with the sole intent of feeding bass. If you happen to reside near one of these bodies of water, that is blessed with frequent visits from the drive-up food truck, then good for you. The odds of you catching bigger fish just went up.
There is one thing that is certain, the angler that catches the world record bass is going to be faced with a great deal of doubt, hatred and verbal abuse from other anglers. No matter how they catch the record fish, people are going to call foul and say they cheated. Personally, I am pretty sure that I could deal with the onslaught of player haters. While they were scheming on different ways to say I cheated, I would be hiring a Brink's truck to haul my endorsement checks to the bank.
Author: Jeremiah T. Bagwell
Email: jt_bagwell@hotmail.com
Web Site: http://www.qcbassfishing.8k.com/
Details: Nickname - JT
Birth Date - March 13, 1976
Hometown - Rock Island, IL
Family - Elisabeth (wife)
Fishing Influences - Arnold and Juanita King (Grandparents)
Years Fishing - 25+
Biggest Strength (on the water) - Pitching jigs
Biggest Weakness (on the water) - Finesse fishing
Fishing Accomplishments Winner of 2002 Exelon's Fishing for a Cure (Charity Event) 2003 ABA D46 Angler of the Year2004 ABA D46 Angler of the YearSeveral tournament winsSeveral big bass awardsBFL regional qualifierABA national championship qualifierOff the Water Accomplishments Pro Staff member for several great companiesArticles are regularly printed in American Bass Anglers and Inside Line Magazines.Bagwell's Bass Tactics (weekly column) runs on multiple very high-traffic websites.Articles are used on websites in the United States, Russia, Australia and the United KingdomFeatured in numerous newspaper articlesIn-studio guest for a regional talk radio showIn-store promotions for retail locationsOwner of BagwellsBassTactics.comActive in the Pro Bass Networks "Ask a Pro" program for kidsProudest Fishing Moment - After winning the Exelon Fishing for a Cure charity tournament, donated 20% of earnings back to the charity.
Favorite Food - Mexican and Italian
Favorite Book - Get what you deserve (How to guerilla market yourself)
Favorite Movie - Too many to list
Favorite Song - I'm gonna miss her (the fishing song)
Sponsors - Gary Yamamoto Custom Baits, Pflueger Reels, All Star Rods, Daiichi Hooks, Minn Kota, Mizmo Bait Co, Lake George Boat Rental, Slayden's Auto Repair, MegaStrike, Humminbird, PowerPro, Shakespeare Supreme Line, Do-It Mold Co.