Record-Breaking Catch: Largest Striped Bass Ever Landed

Striped bass fishing has captivated anglers for generations, but every so often, a catch comes along that rewrites the record books. The pursuit of trophy striped bass—often called “stripers” or “linesiders”—remains one of the most thrilling challenges in freshwater and brackish water fishing.

The All-Tackle World Record

The current all-tackle world record for striped bass stands at an impressive 81 pounds 14 ounces, caught by Greg Myerson in 2011 off the coast of Connecticut. This massive fish measured over 54 inches in length and dethroned a record that had stood since 1982.

What makes Myerson’s catch even more remarkable is the method he used. He developed a specialized technique using rattling lures that mimic the sound of lobsters—a favorite prey of large stripers. His innovative approach to targeting trophy fish has since influenced striper fishing across the Northeast.

Legendary Catches Through History

Before Myerson’s record, the fishing world celebrated Albert McReynolds’ 78-pound 8-ounce striper caught in Atlantic City, New Jersey in 1982. That fish held the record for nearly three decades and inspired countless anglers to chase their own trophy bass.

In freshwater impoundments, striped bass can also reach impressive sizes. Lake Texoma, straddling the Texas-Oklahoma border, has produced numerous fish over 30 pounds. The lake’s healthy population of shad provides ideal forage for growing massive stripers.

What Makes a Record-Breaking Striper

Several factors contribute to producing trophy-sized striped bass:

• Abundant forage – Access to menhaden, shad, herring, and other baitfish
• Water quality – Cool, well-oxygenated water with proper salinity levels
• Age – Trophy fish are typically 15-20+ years old
• Genetics – Some populations produce larger fish than others

Best Locations for Trophy Stripers

Anglers seeking record-class striped bass should focus on these prime locations:

The Chesapeake Bay remains the historic heartland of striper fishing. Fish migrate through the bay seasonally, with spring and fall offering the best opportunities for trophy catches.

Block Island Sound and the waters around Montauk, New York have produced numerous fish over 50 pounds. The convergence of currents and abundant baitfish create ideal conditions.

On the West Coast, the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta holds the California state record and continues producing fish over 60 pounds.

Techniques for Landing Giants

Targeting record-class stripers requires patience and the right approach. Live bait fishing with bunker (menhaden) or eels accounts for many trophy catches. The scent and natural movement of live bait triggers strikes from wary, experienced fish that have avoided lures for years.

For artificial lure enthusiasts, large swimbaits, umbrella rigs, and topwater plugs during low-light conditions can produce results. Dawn and dusk remain prime feeding times, though truly massive fish often feed most actively at night.

Conservation Matters

The striped bass population has faced significant pressure over the decades. Responsible catch-and-release practices, especially for breeding-age females, help ensure future generations can pursue these magnificent fish. Many anglers now photograph their trophies and release them to fight another day.

Whether you’re chasing a personal best or dreaming of the next world record, striped bass fishing offers unmatched excitement. The next record-breaking catch could be swimming in your local waters right now.