NYS DEC: New State Record Smallmouth Bass confirmed on Cayuga Lake

New York is not boasting just one, but now two new state record fish reeled in this spring.

It’s confirmed that a new state record Smallmouth Bass was caught June 15, the opening day of New York’s bass season.

The fish, weighing in at a whopping 8-lbs and 6-oz, was caught by angler Thomas Russell Jr., from Albion, NY. The prize and once-in-a-lifetime fish was tricked into biting on Cayuga Lake, Seneca County.

Earlier this spring, a North Country angler muscled in a giant Channel Catfish out of Black River in Jefferson County – weighing in at an eye-popping 35-lbs, 12-oz. 

"Smallmouth Bass are one of New York's most popular freshwater sportfish and it's exciting to share the great news of Mr. Russell's record-breaking catch," Commissioner Basil Seggos said.

"New York's Finger Lakes are truly an angler's paradise, providing exceptional fishing opportunities for a variety of sportfish."

Pound-for-pound, Smallmouth Bass are considered one of the hardest-fighting freshwater fish in New York. When hooked, they will often leap acrobatically out of the water, making them a highly desirable sport fish for anglers to target, the DEC says.

They can be found across the state in cooler lakes, rivers, and creeks in rocky/gravelly areas.

Image courtesy via the New York State DEC.