For the first time in Georgia's history, the state will recognize a rock bass on its list of record fish, according to an announcement by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources.
What makes the rock bass Jeffrey Forester caught on April 6 so different is it weighs 1 pound and measures 10.8125 inches in length, which makes it eligible for a state record.
"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 said.
Anger Jeffrey Forester with his record setting rock bass. Credit: Georgia Department of Natural Resources
Forester explained that when he took his kayak out that day, he 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's DNR, the rock bass is a member of the Sunfish family, which is typically found in Tennessee and parts of the Chattahoochee and Savannah rivers.
Scott Robinson, chief of fisheries for the Wildlife Resources Division, said that he thinks 2024 will be a great year for fishing in Georgia.
"We have a state record tie for yellow perch and now a new state record rock bass, that is surely some motivation to get out there and try to reel in your own great catch," Robinson said.
