Monte Burke's the author of the highly acclaimed book Sowbelly: The Obsessive Quest for the World Record Largemouth Bass, published in 2005. Ironically, a Japanese publisher acquired the rights to Sowbelly late last year, and the book hit Japanese bookstores about 2 weeks ago.
What follows is Burke's reaction to the news of the potential world record out of Japan.
"My initial reaction is the same as it is with all reports of bass that supposedly will break Perry's record – 'wait and see.' This one, at least initially, seems pretty legit. That's a big, big bass and it came from a lake known for bass in the 18- to 19-pound range. It doesn't smell as 'fishy' as, for instance, Leaha Trew's fish a few years ago, or many of the other various frauds and hoaxes we've come across in recent years.
"Of course, there's the IGFA 2-ounce rule that – if this fish is legit and is 1 ounce over Perry's – will cause some serious handwringing. I have to wonder, too, how the IGFA will deal with this. My sense is that they've sort of wanted the record to be broken (legitimately) for the last few years. The attention for the organization would be a boost. But did they want the record to come from abroad? Maybe. Maybe not. Are they going to fly over to certify the fish? It is the most important record in fishing. The organization will face some criticism no matter what they do.
"And I can't help but think of the record-hunters I met during the reporting of Sowbelly. What does Bob Crupi think of this? How about Jed Dickerson and Mac Weakley, who – if their scales are to be believed – snagged a fish bigger than this one in the back? I don't think the true record-chasers will stop even if this fish turns out to be legit. One ounce isn't very much in the scheme of things. Their quest will continue.
"This is a record that has been threatened many times over the past decade and a half. It has seemed to have a protective forcefield around it. But maybe someone's finally broken through. If this Japanese guy did it all by the book, then I'm happy for him and he deserves recognition for breaking the most hallowed record in fishing, and one of the most significant records in sports. If it's somehow not the record and just another world record 'scare,' well, we've been down this road before a few times, and we'll move on to the next one. Like I said, I'll wait and see."
Editor's note: If you've never read Sowbelly, you should. It's a fantastic read that not only examines the record itself, but more importantly, the all-consuming quest and the obsessive characters who pursue it. For more info on the book, or to order, visit MonteBurke.com.
