Record-Setting Largemouth Bass Caught at Lady Bird Lake

News Summary

Austin angler Willie Pipkin caught an impressive 14.05-pound largemouth bass at Lady Bird Lake on February 5, 2025. The fish, measuring 27.75 inches long, could set a new record for the lake if confirmed by Texas Parks and Wildlife. This catch marks a significant achievement in the Legacy ShareLunker program, aimed at promoting sustainable fishing practices. Pipkin’s dedication and skill culminated in an unforgettable day of fishing, showcasing the vibrant angling community in Austin. The bass will contribute to future conservation efforts for bigger fish.

Austin Angler Hooks a Whopper: Record-Setting Largemouth Bass Caught at Lady Bird Lake

In a thrilling development for fishing enthusiasts and nature lovers alike, Austin’s own Willie Pipkin has reeled in a remarkable catch that might just set records. On February 5, 2025, Pipkin landed a stunning largemouth bass weighing in at an impressive 14.05 pounds at the iconic Lady Bird Lake. This isn’t just any fish; it measures a whopping 27.75 inches long with a girth of 20.75 inches, making it an absolute monster!

The excitement surrounding this catch is palpable, as Pipkin’s incredible bass is currently under consideration for the title of the largest largemouth bass ever caught at Lady Bird Lake. If it is confirmed, it will totally crush the previous record of 13.5 pounds, which was set back in 2015. It’s always fun when the scales tip in favor of the anglers, and everyone is abuzz about the possibility of a new record!

A Catch of a Lifetime

This remarkable catch marks the third fish to earn Legacy ShareLunker status in the 2025 fishing season, and according to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD), it is the heaviest one so far. The Legacy ShareLunker program distinguishes anglers who catch and loan bass over 13 pounds to the program, which involves selective breeding and conservation efforts during the spawning season from January to March. It’s a win-win situation that showcases the community’s love for fishing while contributing to better fisheries management.

A Day of Preparation

Pipkin’s journey to catching this record-breaking fish wasn’t without its ups and downs. The day before his epic catch, he was sight-fishing along the scenic shores of Barton Creek, which flows into the lake. Pipkin spotted the same bass about 20 yards from the shoreline but wasn’t able to snag it despite multiple casts. However, he wasn’t discouraged! Showing true dedication, he returned to that very spot the next day and spent about three hours fishing before finally hooking the big one.

The battle was intense! During the fight, the bass performed two spectacular jumps out of the water, a true test of Pipkin’s angling skill and determination. After managing to land the fish, he quickly weighed it with a hand scale and confirmed that it would qualify for the coveted ShareLunker program. He carefully kept the bass alive until officials from TPWD could arrive to verify its weight on a certified scale.

Stunned Officials and a Bright Future

When the TPWD officials laid eyes on Pipkin’s catch, they were reportedly astonished by its size. The live bass was swiftly transported to the Lunker Bunker in Athens, Texas, where it will contribute to the ongoing efforts aimed at fostering the growth of even bigger bass through selective breeding.

Interestingly, before Pipkin’s record-setting fish, the second Legacy Class bass of the 2025 season had been caught by Dylan Sorrells, who reeled in a hefty 13.64 pounds. Earlier this season, the first Legacy Class bass was caught by Brady Standford, weighing in at 13.13 pounds from O.H. Ivie. If there’s anything we’ve learned from these incredible catches, it’s that anglers in Austin surely know how to fish!

So, if you’re hoping to take home some record-breaking fish yourself or feel inspired to compete in the Toyota ShareLunker program, now is the perfect time to grab your fishing gear and head out to Lady Bird Lake. You never know what treasures lie beneath the shimmering surface of our beloved waters!

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

Additional Resources

• Wired2Fish
• Outdoor Life
• Austin Statesman
• KVUE
• KXAN
• Wikipedia: Largemouth Bass
• Google Search: Texas ShareLunker Program
• Google Scholar: Selective Breeding in Fisheries
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Conservation Efforts in Fishing
• Google News: Record Setting Largemouth Bass