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New York Man Shatters State Smallmouth Bass Record But Falls Way Short of World Record

In September 2024, Dante Piraino of Baldwinsville, New York, stunned the fishing world by setting a new state record for smallmouth bass. His incredible catch, weighing nine pounds, was reeled in from the famed St. Lawrence River during a bass fishing tournament, as announced by the New York Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC). This achievement breaks the previous state record, set just two years ago in Cayuga Lake.

A St. Lawrence River Giant

A St. Lawrence River Giant
Image Credit: Survival World

Piraino’s record-setting smallmouth was caught during a New York Federation B.A.S.S. Nation event on September 22. The St. Lawrence River, already known for producing big bass, delivered once again. Using a soft plastic lure, Piraino hooked the massive smallmouth in 30 feet of water. According to a press release from the DEC, the fish weighed in at nine pounds, surpassing the previous state record by a full eight ounces.

This catch was no small feat, especially given the renowned difficulty of landing smallmouth bass. These fish are known for their powerful, acrobatic fights when hooked, making Piraino’s catch all the more impressive.

Big Water Equals Big Fish

Big Water Equals Big Fish
Image Credit: Survival World

The St. Lawrence River is a hot spot for bass anglers, and for good reason. As reported by Wired2Fish, Piraino had to navigate long stretches of the river before finding the right spot near Cape Vincent. Using modern fishing technology like a Garmin livescope, Piraino was able to locate fish and hook them using a Berkley Flatnose Minnow soft plastic lure. After catching a couple of smaller bass earlier that day, Piraino landed the record-breaking smallmouth, which he initially thought was around six pounds.

Piraino’s persistence paid off. Despite considering leaving the area, he stuck around and was rewarded with the biggest catch of his life.

A Heavy Surprise

A Heavy Surprise
Image Credit: Dante Piraino

Piraino knew he had something special when he lifted the fish into his boat. “When I netted it and went to flip it into the boat, it was heavier than expected,” Piraino told Wired2Fish. Having previously caught a seven-pound bass earlier in the summer, he was initially unsure of the fish’s size. But upon closer inspection, it became clear that this fish was much larger. With its swollen lips and heavy body, Piraino realized he had a potential state record on his hands.

After weighing the fish on his boat, which showed it hovering around the nine-pound mark, Piraino made the decision to release it back into the river, hoping the tournament scale would be officially certified later. That decision turned out to be the right one, as the fish was later verified by the DEC as the new state record.

An Impressive Tournament Performance

An Impressive Tournament Performance
Image Credit: Dante Piraino

Not only did Piraino shatter the state record, but his five-fish bag for the tournament also weighed an impressive 31.4 pounds. This was the largest bag registered during the event, making his performance one of the best ever seen in New York. As Wired2Fish noted, this massive total not only secured him the win but also qualified Piraino for the prestigious B.A.S.S. Nation Championship, a lifelong dream for many anglers.

Piraino credited his grandfather for getting him into fishing at a young age. However, his recent success has been the result of countless hours of hard work and dedication, especially considering that he’s only been competing in tournaments for a few years.

A Year of Record Breakers in New York

A Year of Record Breakers in New York
Image Credit: Survival World

Piraino’s catch marks the third time in 2024 that a state record fish has been set in New York. Earlier this year, a new largemouth bass record was achieved when James Britenbaugh of Pennsylvania landed a 12-pound, 6-ounce largemouth from Cayuga Lake. In June, Chuck Zimmerman of Monroe County set the record for longnose gar with a 15-pound, 14-ounce catch from Butterfield Lake.

The DEC’s revamped Angler Achievement Awards Program, which tracks state records, has made it easier for anglers like Piraino to submit their catches for recognition. The program is part of Governor Kathy Hochul’s “Get Offline, Get Outside” initiative, aimed at encouraging more outdoor activity and reducing screen time for families across the state.

How Piraino’s Catch Compares Globally

How Piraino's Catch Compares Globally
Image Credit: Kentucky Afield

While Piraino’s nine-pound smallmouth broke the New York state record, it still falls well short of the world record for smallmouth bass. According to FOX17 Nashville, the current world record for smallmouth bass is an 11-pound, 15-ounce fish caught in Dale Hollow Lake, Tennessee, in 1955. This record has stood for nearly seven decades and is often considered the “Holy Grail” of bass fishing.

While Piraino’s catch is certainly monumental, the gap between his fish and the world record highlights just how rare it is to catch a smallmouth over 10 pounds. Northern lakes like the St. Lawrence River and Lake Erie produce large numbers of smallmouth, but the warmer waters of southern lakes such as those in Tennessee allow for faster growth rates, making them more likely to break the 10-pound mark.

A Record-Breaking Year for New York Anglers

A Record Breaking Year for New York Anglers
Image Credit: Survival World

New York continues to prove itself as a top destination for bass anglers. With record-setting catches coming from both largemouth and smallmouth bass this year, the state’s diverse waterways provide ample opportunities for anglers looking to reel in trophy fish. As the DEC noted in its press release, New York’s combination of cooler lakes and rivers with rocky areas creates the ideal habitat for species like smallmouth bass to thrive.

Piraino’s achievement has further cemented New York’s reputation as a top-tier location for bass fishing. Whether it’s the St. Lawrence River, Lake Erie, or Cayuga Lake, New York offers plenty of hotspots for anglers looking to test their skills.

The Future of Bass Fishing in New York

The Future of Bass Fishing in New York
Image Credit: Survival World

As New York continues to produce record-breaking fish, the state’s bass fishing community is likely to grow. The DEC’s Angler Achievement Awards Program is helping to highlight the accomplishments of local and visiting anglers alike, while initiatives like “Get Offline, Get Outside” encourage more people to take up the sport.

With modern technology like livescope helping anglers locate fish, and with new state records being set regularly, New York is poised to remain a premier bass fishing destination for years to come.

A Record That Will Stand the Test of Time?

A Record That Will Stand the Test of Time
Image Credit: Survival World

Piraino’s incredible nine-pound smallmouth catch is a testament to his skill, perseverance, and the bountiful waters of New York State. While it may not break the world record, it’s a momentous achievement that will be remembered in the state’s fishing history. For now, Piraino can enjoy his hard-earned place in the record books, knowing that his remarkable catch has set a new bar for anglers across the state.

The Future of Bass Fishing Records

The Future of Bass Fishing Records
Image Credit: Survival World

What are your thoughts? Could modern fishing technology, like livescope, change the future of bass fishing records, or is there still an element of unpredictability in catching these giants? With New York producing multiple record-breaking catches this year, could the state become a major hub for competitive bass fishing on a national level?