NEW YORK — The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) announced a new state record for largemouth bass.
On July 11, James Britenbaugh, of Pennsylvania, reeled in 12-pound, 6-ounce largemouth bass, breaking a 37-year state record for the fish.
Britenbaugh was fishing in Cayuga Lake in Cayuga County, preparing for a bass tournament. His record-breaking catch exceeds the 1987 record caught in Buckhorn Lake in Otsego County by one pound and two ounces, the DEC said in a release.
“It’s no secret that New York has the best bass fishing opportunities in the country and Mr. Britenbaugh’s incredible fish certainly confirms that,” said Interim Commissioner Sean Mahar.
According to the Bassmaster Magazine’s Best Bass Lakes in the Northeast, five lakes in New York State made the list:
- St. Lawrence River (Thousand Islands) (#1)
- Lake Erie/Upper Niagara River (#3)
- Lake Champlain (#6)
- Cayuga Lake (#8)
- Oneida Lake (#16)
Just last month, a new state record was set for longnose gar. Monroe County resident Chuck Zimmerman caught a 15-pound, 14-ounce longnose gar in Jefferson County’s Butterfield Lake.
Fishing enthusiasts can submit their catches to DEC’s Angler Achievement Awards Program. The program recognizes those who catch any of the 40 different species that met or exceed minimum qualifying lengths. Anglers can receive official recognition from the DEC.
“DEC encourages all anglers fishing in New York to check out the Angler Achievement Awards Program before dropping a line in the water. It's an exciting program that recognizes sizable catches and shines a light on the numerous lakes, rivers, ponds, and streams producing trophy-sized fish right here in New York,” said Interim Commissioner Sean Mahar.
The three categories are Angler Award, Youth Angler Award, and State Record.
Information official rules, species, and minimum lengths can be found here.