State Record Bass in Arkansas Puts Fisherman in Hot Water

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Previously, the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission (AGFC) announced that a record-breaking largemouth bass was caught on Lake Dunn near Wynne, Arkansas on February 28th, 2012. The fish, caught by Paul Crowder of Forrest City, weighed 16 pounds, 5 ounces, which broke the record by one ounce.

Now, after an investigation by the AGFC, Crowder faces a $1,000 fine and up to 30 days in jail for catching the fish illegally. The AGFC discovered that Crowder purchased a fishing license three hours after he caught the fish. His fishing license expired in April 2011, according to an AGFC press release.

Under AGFC regulations, it is illegal for any person 16 years of age or older to fish without possessing a valid Arkansas fishing license. State record rules also require that an angler hold a valid license at the time of the catch.

Crowder’s court hearing takes place today, March 19th in the Wynne District Court.

That means the AGFC won’t certify Crowder’s catch as a state record and so the late Aaron Mardis of Memphis continues to hold the record set 36 years ago on March 2nd, 1976 with a 16-pound, 4-ounce largemouth bass caught on Mallard Lake near Manila in Mississippi County.

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