Tennessee Fishing Record That Had Stood Since 2015 Gets 'Shattered'
A Tennessee angler has "shattered" a state fishing record that had stood for more than 10 years.
Darren Nunley, a longtime fisherman in Tennessee, has broken a longtime record, per the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency. He reeled in a "monster" fish earlier this year. And it's officially made history.
The record-setting fish weighed in at 15 pounds, 7 1/2 ounces and measured 27 7/8 inches long. It's the biggest largemouth bass in state history. The fish was caught in late February.
The state announced the historic news.
"On Feb. 28, Darren Nunley of Whitwell landed a massive largemouth bass from Nickajack Reservoir weighing 15 pounds, 7 1/2 ounces and measuring 27 7/8 inches long - officially setting a new Tennessee state record. The fish tops the previous record largemouth caught in 2015 and marks another incredible chapter in Tennessee fishing history," the department announced.
"Nunley caught the bass around 8 a.m. using a jackhammer chatterbait lure on 17-pound fluorocarbon line. After the catch, the fish was weighed on a certified scale in Whitwell, and TWRA later confirmed the record following genetic testing finalized on May 9."
Fishing world is very impressed
Those in the fishing community are extremely impressed.
"You know that ol boy knows how to catch a fish," one wrote.
"Never seen anyone look that sad holding a Bass 😂," another joked.
"WOW!!!" one shared.
It's an impressive catch, taht's for sure.
Copyright The Arena Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved
This story was originally published May 13, 2026 at 5:06 PM.