In an incredible turn of events at Purtis Creek State Park Lake, Texas fishing guide Austin Miles achieved a monumental feat, landing a 16.04-pound largemouth bass. This extraordinary catch not only marks a new lake record but also positions it as the 27th heaviest bass ever documented in the state of Texas. The remarkable incident unfolded during a guided fishing expedition with a client, transforming what was already a successful day into an unforgettable experience.
Extraordinary Catch at Purtis Creek Lake: A Detailed Account
On a pleasant February 16th, fishing guide Austin Miles, 31, from Forney, Texas, embarked on a fishing trip at Purtis Creek State Park Lake with a client. The morning began with a brisk 45-degree Fahrenheit temperature under partly cloudy skies, gradually warming to the 70s by midday, accompanied by a gentle breeze. Initially, their efforts yielded several bass, including a 6-pounder and a 7-pounder for the client, and a 5.5-pound catch for Miles, all caught using Alabama rigs with 6-inch soft plastic lures.
The afternoon, however, brought about the most thrilling part of their day. As the water temperature ascended to approximately 55 degrees, Miles utilized his advanced forward-facing sonar technology to meticulously scan the flooded timber areas. It was there that he located a group of four to five bass nestled near a submerged tree, approximately four feet deep in ten feet of water. Among them, one bass stood out due to its impressive size.
Miles, prioritizing his client's success, encouraged him to cast towards the colossal fish. Despite three attempts, the bass, though curious, refused to strike the client's lure. Seizing the moment, Miles decided to try a different approach, casting a Megabass 110 jerkbait. To his astonishment, the massive bass, which he estimated to be over 10 pounds, aggressively struck his lure, initiating an intense struggle. Surrounded by dense underwater structures, Miles expertly maneuvered the fish towards the boat, where his client skillfully netted it.
Upon being brought aboard, the sheer size of the bass was evident, stretching rigidly across the entire diameter of the net's hoop. After a brief moment, it relaxed enough to be fully secured. A preliminary measurement with a Bubba scale indicated a weight of 15.89 pounds. Following this, Miles promptly contacted the Texas ShareLunker program, leading to a team being dispatched to collect the bass for their Athens fish hatchery, where it will contribute to spawning efforts. Miles' family, including his wife Mary and their three children, arrived at the lake to witness the official weigh-in, which confirmed the bass's staggering weight of 16.04 pounds, solidifying its place in Texas fishing history as a pending lake record.
Miles will be honored with a complimentary replica mount of his record-breaking catch for his generous donation to the ShareLunker program. He also looks forward to the special moment when he can personally release the magnificent fish back into the lake. This remarkable catch not only highlights the skill and patience required in bass fishing but also underscores the crucial role of conservation programs like Texas ShareLunker in preserving and enhancing the state's aquatic biodiversity.