In Today’s Newsletter: From record-breaking bass to road-trip-ready kayak fishing adventures, today’s newsletter is packed with expert tips, new gear and must-watch stories to help you make the most of your next day on the water.
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What do I do if I think I’ve caught record-breaking bass?
A: If you are lucky enough to find yourself in a position where you believe you’ve caught a record-breaking fish, you’ll need to weigh the fish on a scale certified in your state. Generally, you can find a certified scale at a bait shop, hardware store, or marina near you.
Before you continue, be sure to compare the weight of your fish to the existing record that you’re looking to break. Depending on state regulations, you may need an observer to witness.
If the weight of the fish you’ve caught is greater than the record, it’s time to document your fish.
You’ll likely need photos of your fish and to document the catch; often both length and girth measurements are required, as well as photos from multiple angles. Exact requirements will vary from record to record. For example, a world record fish may require unique and additional documentation compared to a state record fish.
From here, contact your local Department of Natural Resources (DNR) office to get the fish identified, and fill out a record application, which you can find at your state’s DNR website.
How To Take Your Kayak Fishing On The Road
Expert tips for packing gear, choosing a destination and finding fish in unfamiliar waters.
The Best Kayak Fish Finders For 2026
Choose the best kayak fishing fish finder without skimping on premium features like high contrast side and forward imaging sonar.
Best For Forward-Facing Sonar
Humminbird XPLORE
MSRP: $1,299.99
The XPLORE has the newest design in both touchscreen and buttons that make using the fish finder easy and intuitive, regardless of the conditions. If you’re not comfortable with the touchscreen though, or your hands are wet, or it’s raining outside, you can use the keypad to control it. But honestly, the touchscreen makes this thing incredibly user-friendly...
Best Fish Finder And GPS
Garmin Echomap
MRSP: $899.99
I’ve been using the Garmin Echomap for years. The premium fish finder and GPS offers the best technology in a durable housing that won’t break the bank. Offering down-view and sideview along with variable-signal CHiRP sonar, the Echomap line also allows the option to upgrade to Garmin’s Panoptix LiveVu making the Echomap a complete sonar package…
How To Catch Conger Eels And Live To Tell About It
Barracuda live up to their reputation: toothy, lightning fast, stealthy and mean as hell, so follow these tips on how to catch them safely.
How To Catch Barracuda Without Losing A Finger
Conger eels are big, mean and ugly, but that doesn’t deter these anglers. Find out why these anglers love them.
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