I hear it died in the holding tank is that true ? Ether way that is a monster

Yup she died. Just shows you how delicate these big fish are in the summer. Better to just photo and release quickly

Thaaaaaat's a shame.

Why was it not released after photos? Its not sharelunker season yet....

It was within 3/4 of a pound or so from being a lake record so I can see why anyone would have wanted to get it weighed on a certified scale just to make sure. It also appeared to be a very old fish and they just don't take the strain of being caught as well as a younger fish would. It's a great fish for sure and I would imagine most people on here would have done the exact same thing.

Sad deal but happens more then what people think. I caught a 7.6 couple weeks ago and had her on Livewell for 14 mins total to weigh her and she was stressed to the max. Took me awhile to get her going again

Like you would have? A fish that big and that old has done her part for the lake and probably bypassed thousands of lures over the years. A huge congrats to the lady that caught her!

What A Bass!!

Well, actually I would have since I've caught 3 over 13lbs. But most people haven't had that opportunity and in that same situation I can't say I wouldn't have brought her in if I hadn't had already caught those fish. It definitely changes your point of view. A good set of scales can eliminate the need to bring a huge fish in IMO. Nothing wrong with bringing awareness though. Congrats on a toad

I heard she ate it

After it passed the fish was kept to be mounted. It was stressed and would not swim away. No problem with someone taking it to be weighed and trying to enter into the Toledo Bend Lunker Program. Things just happen with these big summer fish. I do think overall though that people do not know how to care for a stressed fish. It's a sad deal, but I hope this post doesn't turn into a bash fest. It was the fish of a lifetime and it's not like it was intentionally killed. Congrats again to the angler on such a great catch.

Does breaking a lake record get you a prize or just a 1st place ribbon?

If you break a record,,,,any record, I'll personally see to it that you receive a complementary patch kit for your fancy dancy life raft

Nice fish. I would have simply taken a picture with the measurement and one with the angler holding the fish, released it,and applied for a Catch&Release record. I would have used a picture for a replication. That's just me. Still a super fish and Congratulations to the lady angler on catching a fish of a lifetime.



Side Note: That is going to be one GREAT mount!

I'm proud for TBend and the lady angler but sorry for the fish.