Personally I think the only state that will produce anything 20+ is Cali. You are talking about an extraordinary fish to get to that size. If Texas was capable I think it would have happened by now.

But Texas is capable,there has been a twenty pounder found dead on fork,yes that was years ago but you cant possibly believe the only twenty pound fish to ever live in Tx waters gets found dead one day on lake fork.

It wouldn't surprise me if one has already been caught and fileted from a gillnet fisherman on the Mexican side of Falcon.

Yup probably on amistad also,hell like I said before its probably been caught on fork or toledo by a trotliner or crappie guy and eaten.

I've caught a couple of 20lb+ fish on Hubbard, so they're out there for sure.

Wait, you mean largemouth? Oh, no.

Bring hydrilla back to Lake Austin and winter trout stockings and it could happen. With cool water flowing in from Travis, it keeps the temps in a more constant range, the lake level is also constant. I never saw water temps above 80 degrees back in 2010 and 2011. Coincidentally, the lake was kicking out SALs in excess then, including a 16.

With current TPWD strategy and the war on grass, I don't think it will happen anywhere in Texas. Need the habitat, food chain and water temps to make it happen.

Like California, Biwa in Japan produces giants because of deep water, more consistent temperature and high quality forage base (trout and giant bluegills). Loads of grass doesn't hurt either.

Beautiful fish, what did she weigh?

YES! Odds are a 20+ Florida strain is swiming around in several of the big lakes mentioned.

Y'all are so negative! Of course there's a 20+ fish in Texas! Hell, there's probably one in your home lake!! That's why yall throw thousands of dollars into the sport.. to hopefully catch that fish that puts you on the cover of the magazines and makes you internet famous for a week or so!

The only way we'll ever know is if we catch em all. Better start sooner rather than later.

OH Ivie maybe if it came up 25 foot and stayed there for 6-8 years.

without a doubt a 20 + in the state of texas

CRMWD will ensure this doesn't happen. Ivie would be a contender under those circumstances IMHO.

I remember reading an article 15-20 years ago and the late David Wharton (Rayburn guide, BASS pro) was quoted as saying the next state record would come from Rayburn and she would be caught on the south end of the lake in the deeper waters near the islands around twin dikes. Of course, this was the mid 90's and Rayburn was in great shape. A lot has changed since then. I have always remembered that article and have waited for years to see Wharton's claim come true. Personally, I know there are thousands upon thousands of bass who may never see a lure in their lifetime, but one thing bothers me and I believe someone pointed it out earlier in the thread. If there are 20's in our Texas lakes, the 16's, 17's and 18's should be coming with at least SOME regularity. That has not happened in the last 20 years. Personally, I believe that with the amount of hours that Texas fishermen put in and the wide variety of techniques being used, a high teen bass should be harvested with some regularity. If you asked me 20 years ago, I would say YES, there is a 20+ swimming around, but ask me today and I say definitely not.

Rayburn had a huge fish kill after David made that prediction. I remember fishing with a guide one day when I caught a heavy 8 pounder on a c-rig. He said it was the biggest fish he'd seen in two years. Put it in the live well and took it to the ramp to show everyone. Don't remember the year but it was at least 10 years ago.