On August 9, 2025, Tucker Bass landed a largemouth bass that weighed just 2 pounds, 4 ounces. To some, that number might seem modest. But in the world of competitive angling, that single fish carried historic weight. The International Game Fish Association officially recognized the catch in November 2025 as the Junior 4-pound Line Class world record, making Tucker the only largemouth bass world-record holder from the state of Wyoming.
The setting was Lake Cameahwait, known locally as Bass Lake, a name that now feels almost prophetic. Tucker was fishing from a two-person kayak alongside his father, John, enjoying what began as a simple day on the water. There was no crowd, no spotlight, and no sense that history was about to be made. Just a father and son, paddling quietly, casting lines, and sharing time together.
When the fish struck, Tucker stayed calm. Years of learning, patience, and practice took over. The rod and reel he used were especially meaningful, a gift from his grandfather, passed down with love and tradition. The lure was a Northland tungsten jig, typically designed for ice fishing, proving that creativity and confidence can matter just as much as conventional wisdom.
As the largemouth finally came into view, excitement surged. What Tucker didn’t yet know was that this fish would carry his name far beyond the shoreline.
Beyond the world record, Tucker’s accomplishments continue to stack up. In August, he earned Trophy Angler status through the Wyoming Game and Fish Department’s Master Angler program. He has also completed four of the six challenges in the department’s Youth Fishing Challenge, demonstrating consistency, commitment, and a deep love for the sport at such a young age.
“This is an exceptional accomplishment for a young angler,” said Joe Deromedi, Lander Region fisheries supervisor. “Tucker’s record highlights not only his skill and dedication, but also the quality fishing opportunities we have in central Wyoming. It’s always exciting to see youth developing a lifelong passion for fishing.”
That passion is something Tucker wears proudly. Fishing is not about trophies alone; it is about early mornings, quiet waters, lessons learned, and memories made with family. It is about patience when bites are slow and excitement when the line finally tightens. For Tucker, fishing has become a pathway to confidence and connection.
Wyoming has seen its share of impressive catches over the years. The current state record largemouth bass still belongs to Caleb Salzman, who landed an 11.51-pound giant at Kleenburn Ponds near Sheridan in 2018. That fish stretched 24.5 inches long with a massive 20.75-inch girth. But records, whether large or small, all begin the same way with a cast and a belief that something special might happen.
Tucker Bass’s story is a reminder that greatness doesn’t always arrive with thunder. Sometimes, it comes quietly, gliding beneath the surface of a lake, waiting for the right moment and the right hands.
For a 12-year-old boy from Shoshoni, that moment arrived in a kayak, beside his father, holding a rod gifted by his grandfather. It is a story written in water, memory, and heart and one that will inspire young anglers across Wyoming and beyond for years to come.
Image/Source: wgfd
