Manabu Kurita, a Japanese angler fishing Lake Biwa, Japan's largest freshwater lake, is reported to have caught a bass weighing 22 lbs 5 oz. The fish measured out at 29.4 inches long with a 27.56 inch girth, validating its massive weight.

If honored by IGFA, this fish would likely officially go down as a tie for the world record with the 22 pound 4 ounce largemouth caught by George Perry on June 2, 1932. The IGFA requires fish under 25 pounds to eclipse previous records by 2 ounces or more.

However if confirmed, this fish will clearly go down as the largest legally caught by rod and reel. Details have yet to emerge yet on this catch, and likely it'll be difficult to get the full story on this catch given the location, and potential language barrier. 

The Dolphin II still has room for anglers on an open-party July 4th special, a two-day trip leaving Friday July 3rd at 10:00 pm. This trip will target offshore Albacore and Bluefin and should produce great results for anglers. The cost for this trip is $395 per person and includes the Mexican Fishing Permit and all meals. You can book a trip with Captain Greg Miser and the Dolphin II by calling (619)971-5941. For more information on the Dolphin II you can read the SDFish article by clicking here, or you can go directly to the Dolphin II's official website by clicking here.

Big Bass Still Hitting! It was another good week for bass with the bite still good over most of the Lake. Big ones are showing over many areas of the Lake. The catfish bite is good with limits in different areas of the Lake. The catfish bite was good at the Log Boom, on the shorelines and back by Boulder Bay. The bluegill bite is best in Hidden Bay. The water level of the Lake is the highest in many years.

Captain Greg Miser of the Dolphin II is reporting steady catches of Albacore, and the occasional Bluefin Tuna on his recent 1.5 and 2 day trips. Complimenting the increasingly good tuna fishing is good results of "home guard" Yellowtail in the kelp. Albacore in the 30 to 40 pound range are beginning to show recently, and Miser is optimistic about two upcoming trips on the schedule.

I have spent about 90 percent of my fishing days on San Diego Bay, and I can definitely say that it’s my favorite fishery.  I personally think that it’s one of the best fisheries in Southern California.  Whether you like fishing for Spotties, Sandies, Bonefish, Corvina, Halibut, or sharks, SD Bay can produce better than most places in Southern California.  I have built my fishing knowledge from time on the water, information from others, and a desire to learn.  Most of the information I learned from others was from the following guides: Capt. George Tuthill, Capt. Bill Shaefer, Capt. Ron Baker, and Mike Gardner.  I also gained valuable information from Dennis Burleson and Eddie Howerton.  If you ever get a chance to hear Dennis and Eddie at a seminar, don’t pass it up!  They provide great information about fishing for Sand Bass in San Diego Bay.