Angler Shatters Two-Decade Largemouth Bass Record

A recent fishing expedition saw Clay Butler of San Angelo, Texas, achieve an extraordinary accomplishment, setting a new record for largemouth bass in Champion Creek Reservoir. This remarkable catch, weighing 12.55 pounds, represents not only a personal triumph for Butler but also a significant milestone for the reservoir, breaking a record that stood for an impressive two decades. His dedication to the sport and keen understanding of fish behavior, aided by modern sonar technology, culminated in this unforgettable moment.

Texas Angler's Historic Catch at Champion Creek Reservoir

On a cloudy late afternoon, just two days following Thanksgiving, Clay Butler, a 47-year-old construction business owner, alongside his friend Hunter Crossland, navigated his 21-foot Skeeter bass boat through the submerged timber of Mitchell County's 1,500-acre Champion Creek Reservoir. The temperature hovered around a mild 60 degrees. Butler had already landed and released an 8-pounder and a 3-pounder earlier in the day. Around 4 p.m., his sonar screen revealed a significant fish suspended 18 feet deep. Recognizing the pattern of larger bass inhabiting deeper waters in pursuit of gizzard shad, while smaller ones stayed shallower for threadfin shad, Butler understood the potential magnitude of this discovery.

Despite a brisk 20 mph wind, Butler expertly maneuvered his boat to cast his lure. After an initial missed attempt, his second cast was precise, dropping a 10-gram roundhead jig adorned with a 7-inch soft plastic minnow directly towards the detected fish. Observing his lure's descent on the sonar, Butler watched as the fish approached. With a slight shake of his rod, the bass struck the jig with considerable force, leading to a firm hook set. The battle that ensued saw the powerful bass diving and circling the boat for several minutes, though it never broke the water's surface. With Crossland's assistance, despite his injured arm, Butler skillfully guided the formidable fish into the net, bringing it aboard his Skeeter.

The anglers immediately recognized the fish's immense size, estimating its weight to be over 10 pounds. A preliminary check on Butler's personal scale indicated it surpassed 12 pounds, suggesting a potential lake record. Given that the store at the boat ramp was closed, they embarked on an hour-long drive to Bronte, where Bronte Guns & Tackle housed an official state-sanctioned scale. There, the largemouth bass was officially recorded at 12.55 pounds, measuring an impressive 26.75 inches in length and 21.5 inches in girth. All necessary state record documentation was submitted to Texas' Inland Fisheries Department, confirming Butler's bass as the new record holder for Champion Creek Reservoir. This magnificent catch superseded the previous record of 11.80 pounds, set by Wendell Pinkerton in 2005.

In adherence to state regulations for record-setting bass, Butler ensured the fish's live release. After the official weigh-in, he returned to the reservoir with Crossland and the bass, setting it free directly from the boat ramp dock into Champion Creek. Butler described the bass as "frisky as ever" and in excellent condition, swimming away vigorously—a testament to the responsible angling practices. He plans to commission a replica mount to commemorate his historic catch.

Clay Butler's achievement serves as a profound inspiration, illustrating the thrilling possibilities that await those who combine passion with persistence. His meticulous approach, from the strategic use of sonar to the careful handling and release of the record-breaking fish, underscores a deep respect for the natural world and the sport of fishing. This story highlights not only the excitement of breaking a long-standing record but also the importance of conservation and the joy derived from outdoor pursuits. It's a reminder that with patience and skill, even the most enduring records can be challenged, and nature's wonders continue to surprise and delight.