True!
I need a time machine- I have always dreamed about going back in time to the late 1800's and trying some giant bass sight fishing in Florida-(with current boat and equipment of course!).

I've read several times that no photo was taken and that particular photo has been debunked multiple times on the internet. I vaguely remember threads on TFF that linked articles about that photo.

It's always seemed to me to be too far ahead in weight to what's been caught in that state.

Very good review of the entire story. The only thing that makes me want to believe is the picture with the child next to the fish. To consider all the other "evidence" that Perry, relatives, and writers from the 20th century present there are way to many things that don't add up. I remember years ago it was found that several world record fish in the books for years were debunked. Think it was Smallmouth and Walleye and maybe one more.

Sounds like Georgia has the same motto as Texas:

Never let the truth get in the way of a good story!!!

Most of the freshwater records set prior to about 1980 are highly suspect. The story around the top couple Musky rivals Perry's story in terms of twists and turns. I've spent more time than I care to admit researching that record as well!

Yeah I'm kinda skeptical of many of the records, largemouth stories, etc.
If you are a hard core record chaser that is something to keep in mind. It's like trying to catch the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. I guess the Biwa record is pretty solid and factual so that is about the same size as the Perry story fish and guys can generally shoot for that number with some sense of an objective goal. Dottie to me is a strange story as well but that's just me. Until somebody brings in a fish bigger than the Biwa one (that sadly will probably need to be kept, xrayed, dissected, etc), then in my mind Biwa fish is the legit record. The Perry deal will always be a mythical tale for the ages, and even if true only ties the Biwa fish.
The weight of a really big bass can change significantly as well, like what they just ate for example. It's almost like some other measurements would be more objective, but we focus on weight.

Since meticulous records and modern methods of measurement were not kept or available at the turn of the 20th century and before its difficult to know exactly how accurate the folklore is surrounding record fish catches were. I'm also not sure how accurate statistical comparisons to todays standards would even apply since environmental conditions, forage and habitat have changed so much since then. It's just a guess but I'm thinking mother nature had a much better handle on stewarding her environment back then than what she has now making conditions much more favorable for growth and numbers than what they are today.

I'm no tree hugger by any means, but it seems pretty evident that the population explosion, encroachment into natural habitats, industrialization and generalized pressure on the natural environment have had a profound negative impact on the natural environment. It seems reasonable that if there ever was a time for the habituation of monster sized bass it would have been way back then much in the same way bull elephants, rhino's and sharks did, to name a few. I see no logical reason why bass cant suffer the same decline that other species have over the course of time and loss of habitat.

Great read Josh. Well written and full of great details. I believe Mr. Perry indeed caught a very large bass but that it was mis-measured (probably with a cloth tailor's tape, up & over the body) and that the scales were most likely off by a good bit when he weighed her. Sadly we may never know the facts.

I will admit the pic of the man holding the fish with the little boy got me pretty excited. That fish is a legitimate giant. Could it be Mr. Perry's fish? We may never know, but the fish in that picture is a Monster and I think could very well be a fish in the 20 pound class.

As for me I believe Dottie is the true world record bass. The guys pursued the fish for years and were honest & upfront about foul-hooking her when they brought her in. That took a lot of character in my opinion. They could have just as easily never mentioned they foul hooked her and Jed Dickerson's name would have been attached to the world record bass.

The Biwa bass was indeed a giant and appears to be legit but IMO Jed Dickerson holds the world record with Dottie.

What a great read. I had never even thought to look into the history of the work record. Very well composed article

It's easy to question a catch during the great depression by an 8th grade educated farmer sharing a rod while rowing a wooden boat. June 1932 Bass fishing was not the business it is today. Catch and release was not popular, fishing was eating and George was searching for food. The Field and Stream contest did offer a prize for the winning fish. during my college years every paper written was tied to Bass fishing including George Perry's catch. Integrity, trust, honesty weren't discussed as today. Integrity, trust, honesty were a way of life.

I agree, the Perry bass should have been wiped from the slate since there was never any real proof.

The good news is here in Texas we have two very legit records, one being the one over 18 on live bait, and the artificial bait record Ethel. No question about those!
No mythical stories, or foul hooked hand held scale weights.

Another odd happening in the story of the world record is the lure. Ever since I can remember the Creek Chub Wiggle Fish was referred to as the lure that Perry used to catch the world record. Just looked at a Field and Stream article on collectibles and in the interview with Terry Drace in 1973 Perry himself states that the lure was a Creek Chub Fintal Shiner. Field and Stream calls it a big misprint.

Awesome read...