Big Bass Breaks 37 Year New York State Record!

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) announced the exciting news in New York State fishing. There's a new state record for largemouth bass.

On July 11, 2024, James Britenbaugh from Pennsylvania caught a whopping twelve-pound, six-ounce largemouth bass from Cayuga Lake, Cayuga County. This incredible catch broke a thirty-seven-year-old record by one pound and two ounces.

Interim Commissioner Sean Mahar highlighted New York's prime fishing spots, saying,

New York is home to some of the best bass fishing in the country, and Mr. Britenbaugh’s catch proves it.

He encouraged all anglers to explore the Angler Achievement Awards Program, which celebrates impressive catches and showcases New York's fantastic fishing locations.

In 2024, five New York lakes made it to Bassmaster Magazine’s Top 100 Best Bass Lakes. The St. Lawrence River (Thousand Islands) was named the best bass fishing spot in the nation, while Lake Erie/Upper Niagara River ranked seventh. Lake Champlain, Cayuga Lake, and Oneida Lake are also featured in the top 25 northeastern lakes.

Just weeks before Britenbaugh’s record, Chuck Zimmerman from Hilton, Monroe County, set a new state record for longnose gar with a 15-pound, 14-ounce catch from Butterfield Lake in Jefferson County.

Both record-breaking anglers participated in the DEC's revamped Angler Achievement Awards Program. This program recognizes anglers who catch any of the 40 eligible fish species that meet or exceed the minimum qualifying lengths. Participants can now submit their catches online, supporting the Governor's “Get Offline, Get Outside” initiative to encourage outdoor activities.