The International Underwater Spearfishing Association

International Underwater Spearfishing Association

World Record

18.3 kg. , 40.4 lbs.

Bass, Striped (Freshwater, Landlocked) Morone saxatilis

Record Category: Men Speargun

Diver:		paul young
Date:		7/18/2015
Location:		UNITED STATES

my good buddy greg and I decided to hit the river early on a sat. I arrived at his house around 545 am so we could get out before the crowds hit the water. it was the first weekend of salmon season so we were anticipating a lot of boats. we got to the ramp around 630 and started to hit a couple spots that produced in the past. unfortunately all the spots were pretty dead. I had a chance on a 25lb bass but decided to pass. I was looking for a giant. we decided to jam up river about 20 min to a go to spot that we had seen some nice fish in the spring when we were up there scouting.. I got the first dive on the hole and was greeted by two 10 lb fish and nothing else. after about 4 or 5 dives I decided to move to the opposite side of the hole and work the shallows.. I noticed a rock close to shore that diverting the current and creating a large white wash of bubbles. the rock was only I about 3ft of water. I sat there on my knees and watched schoolie stripers zig and zag out of the bubbled filled water. it looked like a good spot. I noticed on the way over to the hole that there was a large school of American shad siting in the current just outside my location. I was in a perfect ambush spot for a big bass. a big bass can suck up a 2-4 lb shad no problem. I dropped off the ledge and settled down in about 5ft of water. 15-20 seconds into my dive a large fish swam from right to left on the edge of visability. I got ready! the fish swam about 10ft past me then turned around and gave me perfect broadside shot. I aimed for the middle as it started to quarter away from me. the shaft lined the fish and it took off toward the current. luckily it got wrapped up on a underwater tree stump and I was able to secure the fish. I knew it was big but wasn't sure till I got it on the scale. when I finally got it on the scale it was 40.40lbs ... this fish was redemption for last years catch that I foolishly forgot to take a photo of on the scale. it was also 40 lbs.. this year I was ready and it payed off..!!!!