WALKER COUNTY, Ga. — The Peach State is recognizing a record rock bass catch for the first time after a man reeled in "monster" fish in northwest Georgia.
The catch of a 1 pound, 10 13/16 inches rock bass on April 6 in South Chickamauga Creek was reported last week by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources. The department said this is the first rock bass state record being recognized.
Jeffrey Forester of Rossville made the big catch. He told Georgia DNR he'd caught as many as 600 or more rock bass before but never one that approached the size of this one.
“Until this catch, I think I have literally caught maybe 600+ rock bass, and only two of those hit the length limit for an angler award, much less a state record,” Forester told the agency. “I decided to take the kayak out that day and when I got to the creek, I just knew it was going to be a good fishing day. With the second cast of the day, I hung into what felt like a decent black bass, but as I got closer, I could see it was a monster rock bass and thought to myself, do not let this one get off the line, it is definitely record-sized, and lucky enough for me – it sure was.”
According to Georgia DNR, rock bass are a part of the Sunfish family and found around the Tennessee, Upper Chattahoochee and Upper Savannah river basins. Most will be found smaller than the 1 pound record that Forester caught.
Georgia DNR Wildlife Resources Division Chief of Fisheries Scott Robinson said this is the second state record so far this year, along with a record-tying yellow perch catch.
"That is surely some motivation to get out there and try to reel in your own great catch," he said. "With springtime here and the weather warming, I can’t think of a better time to take advantage of the amazing angling opportunities all over our state, so let’s Go Fish Georgia!”
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