New State Record Largemouth Bass

Just shy of 36 years. That's how long the Arkansas state record for largemouth bass has stood. Until yesterday.

Paul Crowder of Forrest City, Ark., has caught what is now the state record largemouth on Tuesday, Feb. 28, 2012. Crowder was said to be fishing for catfish all day without any luck on Lake Dunn, near Wynne, Ark. He cast a 6-inch Mann's Jelly Worm out on a Texas rig with 14-pound Trilene and set his rod down. Next thing he knows, the rod is going out of the boat. He grabbed it, fought the bass for a bit and lipped it.

The fish was 16.5 pounds, measured 26.5 inches long and 22.75 inches in girth.

For full details on Crowder's catch and more pictures of the fish, visit ArkansasMatters.com.