The world record smallmouth bass weighs 11 pounds 15 ounces and measures 27 inches long with a 21⅔-inch girth. David L. Hayes caught this legendary fish at Dale Hollow Lake on July 9, 1955, while trolling a pearl Bomber lure. The International Game Fish Association has officially recognized this record for nearly 70 years, making it one of fishing’s most enduring achievements. This extraordinary catch continues to set the standard for what’s possible in North American waters, and comprehending the conditions that made it happen reveals captivating revelations about trophy smallmouth fishing.
TLDR
- The world record smallmouth bass weighs 11 pounds 15 ounces, caught by David L. Hayes on July 9, 1955.
- Hayes caught the record fish at Dale Hollow Lake while trolling a pearl Bomber lure.
- The fish measured 27 inches in length with a 21 2/3 inch girth when officially recorded.
- This record has been officially maintained by the IGFA since 1978 and remains unbroken for over 68 years.
- The smallmouth bass record is significantly smaller than the largemouth bass record of 22 pounds, 4 ounces.
The Record-Breaking Catch: 11 Pounds 15 Ounces
For over 68 years, one extraordinary smallmouth bass has held the coveted title of world record, tipping the scales at an impressive 11 pounds 15 ounces. This remarkable catch exemplifies the importance of mastering fishing fundamentals to achieve success in the sport. You’ll find this legendary fish measured 27 inches in length with an exceptional 21 2/3 inch girth, dimensions that validate its authenticity through established weight estimation formulas used by fishing experts today. David L. Hayes from Leitchfield, Kentucky caught this record-breaking smallmouth while trolling a pearl Bomber at Dale Hollow Lake on the Tennessee-Kentucky border on July 9, 1955.
David Hayes and the Historic 1955 Achievement
You’ll find that David Hayes’ extraordinary achievement on July 8, 1955, represents one of angling’s most exceptional moments in freshwater fishing history.
His massive 11-pound 15-ounce smallmouth bass, measuring 27 inches long with a 21⅔-inch girth, came from the pristine waters of Dale Hollow Lake along the Tennessee-Kentucky border during what many consider ideal summer fishing conditions. Always remain seated while shooting initially recognized by Field & Stream, the record was later transferred to the IGFA in 1978 when the organization took over official record-keeping responsibilities.
The circumstances surrounding this historic catch would later spark decades of controversy, but the sheer size of Hayes’ smallmouth bass continues to set the standard for what’s possible in North American waters.
Hayes’ Record-Breaking Catch
On July 8, 1955, David L. Hayes caught an 11-pound, 15-ounce smallmouth bass at Dale Hollow Lake.
The fish measured 27 inches in length with a girth of 21⅔ inches at weigh-in.
Field & Stream magazine initially recognized it as the heaviest smallmouth bass taken on rod and reel, establishing what would become a legendary catch in angling history.
1955 Fishing Conditions
Hayes’ extraordinary achievement didn’t happen by chance, as several key fishing conditions aligned perfectly during that historic July day in 1955.
Water temperatures had reached optimal levels around 60°F, triggering peak smallmouth bass activity and feeding behavior.
Dale Hollow’s rocky banks provided ideal ambush points, while abundant forage fish supported healthy bass populations in the clear, well-oxygenated waters.
Dale Hollow Lake: Home of the Ultimate Smallmouth Bass
Nestled in the rolling hills between Tennessee and Kentucky, Dale Hollow Lake stands as the undisputed champion of smallmouth bass fishing destinations.
Created through the Obey River’s impoundment, this legendary lake produced David Lee Hayes’ world-record 11-pound, 15-ounce smallmouth bass in 1955.
You’ll find multiple record-holders originated here, cementing its reputation among serious anglers. Additionally, anglers often seek out high-quality fishing rod and reel combos to enhance their experience on the water.
IGFA Standards and Record Verification Process
While Dale Hollow Lake’s legendary waters continue producing trophy smallmouth bass, the International Game Fish Association (IGFA) maintains rigorous standards to authenticate these extraordinary catches.
You’ll need official IGFA measuring boards, independent witnesses, and proper documentation for record verification.
The fish must lie flat against a nose stop, measuring from snout to tail’s rear center edge. Additionally, fishing license importance emphasizes the significance of obtaining a license, as it supports vital conservation efforts.
Smallmouth Bass Species Profile and Maximum Size Potential
Understanding the smallmouth bass (*Micropterus dolomieu*) and its growth potential provides essential background for appreciating record-breaking catches from waters like Dale Hollow Lake.
You’ll find these native North American fish reach maximum lengths of 27 inches and weights up to 12 pounds. Their size depends on water temperature, prey availability, and genetic factors within each population.
How the Smallmouth Record Compares to Other Bass Species
When you compare the smallmouth bass world record of 11 pounds, 15 ounces to other bass species, you’ll notice significant differences that reflect each species’ biological potential and preferred environments.
The largemouth bass record nearly doubles the smallmouth at 22 pounds, 4 ounces, while spotted bass top out around 7 pounds, 8 ounces, placing smallmouths squarely in the middle for maximum weight potential.
These weight disparities stem from distinct habitat preferences and body structures that influence how large each species can grow, though smallmouths compensate with superior fighting ability that many anglers consider unmatched among bass species.
Weight Difference Analysis
The 11-pound, 15-ounce world record smallmouth bass stands as an impressive achievement, yet it reveals fascinating disparities when compared to other bass species’ maximum weights.
You’ll notice largemouth bass nearly double this record at 22-25 pounds, while spotted bass reach 8-10 pounds maximum.
Smaller species like Guadalupe and shoal bass typically cap out around 4-6 pounds, highlighting distinct growth patterns.
Fighting Ability Comparison
Although smallmouth bass may not hold the weight crown among bass species, their fighting ability sets them apart as pound-for-pound champions that’ll test your angling skills like no other.
You’ll experience more aggressive strikes, sustained stamina, and acrobatic leaps compared to largemouth bass. Their agility and technical fighting style emphasizes finesse over brute strength.
Habitat Preference Distinctions
Understanding where record-breaking bass thrive reveals essential differences between species that directly impact their maximum growth potential.
You’ll find smallmouth bass favor cooler, clearer waters with rocky substrates, preferring temperatures between 68°F to 72°F.
Largemouth bass thrive in warmer, murkier waters around 75°F to 85°F, while spotted bass prefer moderate conditions between these extremes.
Modern Attempts to Break the Nearly 70-Year-Old Record
Despite nearly seven decades of technological advances and improved fishing techniques, David Hayes’ 11-pound, 15-ounce smallmouth bass from Dale Hollow Lake remains the unbeaten IGFA all-tackle world record.
You’ll find modern anglers regularly catching 8-to-9-pound specimens at hotspots like Dworshak Reservoir and Wheeler Dam Tailwater, yet none have approached the historic benchmark despite superior equipment and knowledge.
What Makes This Record So Difficult to Surpass
Several interconnected factors create nearly unmanageable obstacles for anglers hoping to eclipse Hayes’ legendary catch.
You’re facing biological limits, as smallmouth bass rarely exceed 12 pounds naturally.
Environmental conditions must align perfectly—optimal water temperature, abundant forage, and pristine habitat.
Trophy bass are exceptionally rare, solitary, and wary.
Additionally, stringent IGFA verification standards require precise documentation and certified equipment.
Final Note
You’ll find that David Hayes’s 11-pound, 15-ounce smallmouth bass from Dale Hollow Lake remains unmatched after nearly seven decades. This record’s longevity demonstrates both the exceptional nature of that 1955 catch and the biological limits of the species. While you might dream of landing the next record-breaker, remember that factors like habitat quality, genetics, and pure luck must align perfectly. The smallmouth world record continues challenging today’s anglers.
