What is the largest smallmouth bass?
Jessica Cortez
Updated on April 04, 2026
11 lb 15 oz
The current all-tackle world record for a smallmouth bass is 11 lb 15 oz, caught by David Hayes in the Dale Hollow Reservoir, on the Kentucky/Tennessee border, in 1955.
How big is the biggest smallmouth bass ever caught?
11-pound, 15-ounce
lists as the all-tackle world record an 11-pound, 15-ounce smallmouth caught in Tennessee’s Dale Hollow Lake in 1955.
How big is a big smallmouth bass?
6.6 lbsAdult
Smallmouth bass/Mass
What Lake has the biggest smallmouth?
Pardee Reservoir
Pardee Reservoir is the southernmost lake on our list, and also has the distinction of being California’s current smallmouth bass state record holder. The lake gave up a 9-pound, 13-ounce behemoth that has stood as the undisputed champ since 2007.
What’s a trophy smallmouth bass?
Across North America, most anglers consider smallmouth bass to be trophies when they hit the 20-inch or 5-pound mark. On the Great Lakes, those length and weight criteria get stretched to 21 or 22 inches or 6 to 7 pounds.
How old is a 4 pound smallmouth bass?
That same 4-pound bass could be 6 or 7 years old, instead of 18 or 19. Just as not all Southern bass grow to 10 pounds, not all Northern bass live to 19.
What state has the biggest smallmouth?
Dale Hollow Reservoir, Tennessee David Hayes’ celebrated 5.41 kg (11 pounds, 15 ounces) All-Tackle world record smallmouth bass has seen its share of controversy over the years.
What tastes better largemouth or smallmouth bass?
The flavor of Largemouth Bass is described as mild, watery, not as clean as Smallmouth Bass, and can tend to taste a little fishy. Smallmouth Bass have a more likable flavor to Largemouth Bass as more people prefer the sweeter, cleaner taste of Smallmouth.
What state has the best smallmouth fishing?
1. New York. I’m completely subjective in calling the Empire State the best smallmouth bass fishing state in the U.S. But, having fished this state for most of my life, I can confidently say Lake Erie produces smallmouth and walleye unlike any other body of water I’ve seen.
Is there smallmouth bass in Lake Superior?
Lake Superior in summer means plenty of smallmouth bass in Chequamegon Bay. The smallmouth bass fishing season runs from mid-May through late October, the latter considered to be “trophy month” for “smallies.” The 12-mile-long bay’s rock piles and breakwater structures make for perfect bass habitat.
How do you target a large smallmouth bass?
The fish will scatter along the gravel banks of the creeks and on the main lake so try fast-moving lures such as spinnerbaits in white or chartreuse or medium-diving crankbaits in crawfish, fire tiger or bluegill colors. Wind-blown banks usually produce the best action for reservoir smallmouth in autumn.
What is the largest smallmouth bass ever caught?
The world record for a smallmouth bass is 11 pounds 15 ounces, and that record has stood for more that half a century. But is this really the largest smallmouth bass ever caught? David Lee Hayes lived with this wife Ruth, and their young son, in Leitchfield , Kentucky.
What is the lifespan of a smallmouth bass?
Eventually, the fully-grown smallmouth bass will become an essential living component of its ecosystem, and in many cases, a top-flight predator. The typical life duration of the smallmouth bass is 6-15 years, with a maximum life expectancy of about 18 years.
How to catch smallmouth bass?
Another extremely productive way to catch smallmouth bass is with a tube. This classic bait works extremely well all over the country and will help you catch a ton of fish. A tube is most commonly fished on the bottom by either slowly dragging it or hopping it, but it can also be worked fast by “cracking it” as well.
How big do small mouth bass get?
Largemouth Bass reach lengths of about two feet and can grow up to around twenty pounds. Although rare, a five pounder is considered a big fish. Smallmouth Bass are typically 12-15 inches and can reach 24 inches. A Smallmouth Bass Usually weighs 1-2 pounds but can reach up to 10 pounds.