Japanese Angler Ties World Record Bass

Source: ESPN.com

The IGFA has officially certified and approved Kurita's application for record status a little more than six months after the catch. The IGFA's regulations require that a record fish weighing less than 25 pounds be surpassed by two ounces or more. Technically, Kurita's 22-pound, 4.97-ounce largemouth bass from Lake Biwa in Japan is tied with a bass nearly 1 ounce lighter that was caught 77 years ago in Georgia.

Many believed that a world record will be coming out of California, all were stunned to learn of Manabu Kurita's catch in July of 2009.

The largemouth bass is native only to the eastern United States and transplanted to every state except for Alaska as well as other parts of the world including Japan.

The previous record was caught in 1932 by George Perry in Lake Georgia. It's one of the longest standing records in the IGFA, lasting over 77 years.

Congratulations Manabu Kurita on a great catch.....