DEC confirms new state record Largemouth Bass

CAYUGA LAKE- A new State Record Largemouth Bass has been confirmed by the DEC.

On July 11, 2024, angler James Britenbaugh, of Pennsylvania, reeled in a whopping 12-lb 6-oz Largemouth Bass, shattering a record that stood almost 37-years since 1987.

This monster fish was hauled out of Cayuga Lake, Cayuga County. The previous record was caught from Buckhorn Lake, Otsego County and weighed in at 11-lbs 4-oz.

“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,” Interim Commissioner Sean Mahar said.

“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.”

The largemouth bass record comes weeks after a new state record for long-nose gar was set, when Chuck Zimmerman of Hilton, Monroe County, reeled in a 15-pound, 14-ounce long-nose gar from Butterfield Lake in Jefferson County on June 21.

NYS DEC image.