There is no doubt in my mind that there is a state record out there, probably on more than a couple of lakes.

We have lots of 14-15lbers. 17+? Maybe and that's a big maybe. There's just a certain capacity they reach here and the past 30+ years has shown us that limit.

If camelot bell can't grow one in a controlled environment with the most forage available on earth. It's not going to likely happen on a lake either

I hope a kid with a zebco catches it standing under the bridge at ray Hubbard. That would make me laugh for weeks

All I know is I have seen giant deer taken where nobody ever expected, and there was no trace of the deer until it was harvested, there are bass over 18 pounds in some texas lakes, guarantee it, that record will be broken, no doubt in my mind.

Yes I agree.
Would love to be totally wrong and someone gets a 19lber tomorrow.

I believe these fish exist in Texas waters. That said, they may only exist for short periods (pre-spawn after large meals) and likely in populations of fish that rarely encounter anglers (offshore suspended fish or night time feeders). The 16.4 caught last week was a two pound crappie away from 18.4 lbs. As more anglers become proficient with Livescope, I suspect we'll see lake records and eventually the state record fall in the next couple of years.

I agree. With livescope type sonar anglers are targeting fish that havent ever been targeted before in places they never get pressured. The next 2 to 3 years will be productive and then the fish will adapt. Kind of like side imaging, the pressure will move the fish eventually

I really do there is a new state record swimming out there in Texas. The late Mark Pack told me on a trip, the story of the 20 pound floater in Fork, and the numerous potential records he had on while slow rolling a 1 ounce spinner bait in the depths of fork. Maybe fish stories but I believe there to be truth in there

All I know is after what these guy's did this week, I for sure will spend a lot of time trying to find unpressured fish in the Raleigh area lakes that MLF is coming to in about a month

Well, its time to bring this back after today’s 17lber. It was mentioned we should wait until a 16lber was caught.

Is she in Ivie?

I would bet a lot of money she is, problem is catching her.

I think a 17 was caught today on Ivie.

Can we now start the conversation?

I have always believe a state record was in a Texas lake.. The problem was finding her.. The key to finding those big has been found.. It will done

Theres always a bigger fish! -Qui-Gon Jinn

Yup it happened, barely but it happened. I'll say it again, it takes such a special fish to reach 16 then 17 the numbers are unreal. It happened on the lake it was supposed to and looks like an old fish. Could that fish grow another pound? Possibly, is there an 18+ in Ivie, it's possible. That same fish with a full grown gizzard or crappie would break it.