From the NYTBF for immediate release…..September 2, 2016….. Patrick Hildenbrand, age 37 from Red Hook, New York, ties the New York Smallmouth record while participating in a NYTBF bass fishing tournament at Cape Vincent, New York sponsored by the Cape Vincent Chamber of Commerce. Patrick’s smallmouth was initially reported as 8.15 pounds. The tournament scales were sent out for a recertification due to the possibility of a state record fish. After getting the recertified scales back, Patrick’s fish actually was found to weigh in at 8 lbs. 4 oz. This tied the New York state smallmouth record set in 1995 by Andrew Kartesz. The fish measured 21 ½” long and had a girth of 20 ¾” around.
After weighing, measuring, and photographing the fish, it was successfully released back into the river alive to continue to grow.
Patrick will be receiving from the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation a custom engraved plaque, certificate of achievement, and a lapel pin. Pictures of his record fish have been circulating around major sources on the Internet. He will be featured in an upcoming article from FLW Outdoors.
Patrick ended up second in the tournament and received the big bass award from the Cape Vincent Chamber of Commerce.
The fish was caught around 7 a.m. on Sunday morning August 28, 2016 in the St. Lawrence River near Cape Vincent. At the time the conditions were calm with overcast skies and 70 degree air temperature and a water temperature of 74 degrees. Patrick saw a large fish arch in 35 feet of water on his Humminbird fishfinder and was able to mark the arch and driver back over it, enabling him to catch the fish using the dropshot technique. Unfortunately, he did not have his GoPro camera turned on during the catch. Patrick used T-H Marine G-Juice Livewell Treatment and ice to make sure the fish would stay healthy during the day.
He used a Dobyns Fury Series FR 702SF Dropshot 7’ ML rod paired with a Team Lews® Pro Speed® Spin Series spinning reel. For line, he used GAMMA Torque Braided Fishing line in 15# test with a Gander Mountain Flourocarbon Line 6# test leader. The bait used was a Berkley Powerbait Dropshot Minnow in a goby color. He also used several different Keitech baits as well during the day. The hook used was a Gamakatsu TGW Drop Shot Hook in a 1/0 size with an Eco PRO Tungsten Pro Drop Shot weight in 3/8 ounce.
Patrick’s other equipment of choice included a Ranger boat equipped with a Minn Kota Fortrex trolling motor, Interstate AGM batteries, Costa sunglasses, Under Armour and Carhartt clothing and shoes, and towed by a 2016 Dodge 2500 Series pickup.
About the NYTBF – New York The Bass Federation (NYTBF) is an affiliate state chapter of The Bass Federation, the original grass roots bass fishing organization whose motto “Owned by those we serve, dedicated to the sport of fishing” embodies the very essence of who we are and what we do. Our organization is committed to providing something for people of all ages and gender. We offer youth, high school, collegiate, adult and team tournaments, you need not own a boat to participate and regardless of your on the water experience we’re certain you’ll find like-minded folks within our group. We fish all across the state and with the support of our local and national sponsors we’re pleased to offer area anglers additional opportunities to enjoy New York’s diverse bass fishery.
More information can be found on our website at: http://www.nythebassfederation.com/
Rod Allen from Colorado Springs nabbed the $500 Ranger Cup award, and the Colorado TBF made the final sweep taking home bragging rights and the first District 21 State Pride Award with 47.96 total pounds.
Lake Guntersville was tough this week on the 37 junior anglers that advanced through their states to get a chance at the title. But, Fisher Davis, from Mount Ida, Ark., put together the winning limit on the final day of the 2016 Junior World Championship in Scottsboro, Ala.
Fisher had a solid day yesterday, and kept his pattern going today to catch a limit of bass weighing 12 pounds 15 ounces. A slight cloud cover and light rain helped flipped the switch from yesterday’s intense heat.
Anglers in boats one and two had hit them good the day before, so by yesterday’s totals Fisher was seemingly in the middle of the pack. “I was worried; I was real worried. But, I didn’t change a thing,” Fisher said. “I hit some spots, but I hit them yesterday. I think it was more just consistency.”
The heat index on Lake Guntersville was near 100 degrees today but although action was hot the bites were slow on day one of the 2016 Junior World Championship in Scottsboro, Ala.
Final day action at Goose Pond starts with take-off at 6:30am and weigh-in at 1:30pm. After the junior world champion is crowned the whole field will travel to Huntsville, Ala., for the most prestigious professional bass tournament in the world, the Forrest Wood Cup. All junior anglers will get to take a walk across FLW’s main stage before the Pros weigh-in on the third day of the 2016 Forrest Wood Cup.
