Young Angler Catches Maryland State Record Rock Bass

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A 3 1/2 year-old boy recently caught a one pound, eight ounce rock bass, setting a new state record in Maryland. Earl Jenkins IV not only had a record catch, but is currently the youngest fisherman in Maryland to set a state record for freshwater fishing.

According to the boy’s father, Earl Jenkins III, his son has been fishing since he could stand up. The two were fishing together on March 17, 2010 at a farm pond near their home when something grabbed Earl IV’s small chartreuse grub lure and pulled. Earl was eventually able to convince the fish, measuring 12 inches long, to come to shore. This is the largest rock bass ever measured in Maryland.

Earl III kept the fish alive in an ice chest filled with water until they could get it weighed and certified. They moved the fish to a live-well on the family fishing boat and later took it to Hanover, Md., where it was released into the giant aquarium at Bass Pro shops in the Arundel Mills Mall.

The previous rock bass record of one pound and four and one tenth ounces was held by none other than Earl Jenkins III, who caught his record fish in 2009 from the same Thurmont Pond. “I’m sure I saw bigger fish in that pond back in 2009 when I caught my record fish,” said the proud father.

“This is about as big as a rock bass will get,” said DNR Fisheries biologist Keith Lockwood. The rock bass, or “redeye” as it is often called, is a member of the sunfish family.

This father and son plan to continue to regularly fish local waters where Earl IV caught his first fish at the age of two and a half.

source: MD DNR press release