Massive 16.57-Pound Largemouth Sparks Buzz in Arizona Bass Fishing Scene

Artificial Lure here, dropping the latest scoop on U.S. bass fishing that’s got anglers buzzing harder than a mayfly hatch at dusk. Big bass news straight out of the desert: Just a few days ago, Steve Jenkins landed a mind-blowing 16.57-pound largemouth at Arizona’s Roosevelt Lake during the Weekend Warrior Bass Series Summer Slam. This beast has everyone on the edge of their jump seats because if it passes official checks, it’ll nudge out a state record that’s stood since 1997. Jenkins wrangled this giant during a 38-team shootout and, get this, released her alive—massive respect. He and his partner Mike Selvage didn’t just walk away with bragging rights; they pocketed nearly a grand for the Big Bass prize and secured second overall with a bag just over 26 pounds. But first place and that sweet $1,300 check went to Mick and Leland Pageler, who dropped a thumping 27.11-pound bag on the scales, complete with an 8.62-pound kicker. Wired2fish captured the electric scene and everyone is waiting on word from Arizona Game and Fish to see if Jenkins’ catch knocks Randall White’s 16.48-pound legend off the top spot. Don’t sleep on the southern scene: Lake Martin in Alabama is set to host the 2026 Progressive Bassmaster Elite Series, which will see the best in the business go head-to-head right where Takahiro Omori famously weighed a slick 59 pounds, 8 ounces back in 2018. Lake Martin’s crystal soup and chunky spotted bass will force even the pros to tie on lighter line and finesse their way to the top. With daily weigh-ins and family-friendly festivities at Wind Creek State Park, this stop is sure to draw a crowd and plenty of armchair experts. Details are up on Explore Lake Martin for anyone already dreaming about getting in on the action or just hanging out to soak up the scene. For the “locals only” flavor, word from BassinBigG says Guntersville Lake in Alabama continues its reign as one of the busiest bass hot spots, with tournaments almost every weekend and a reputation for bags to make even the most stoic fly-fisher jealous. You want grassroots-to-big-show fishing, this is your scene—look for local derbies and, if you’re in the area, keep tabs on their up-to-date calendar to jump in. Looking to the Northeast? A YouTube roundup on the Top 10 Bass Fishing Lakes in Upstate New York is getting lots of traction, and, frankly, if you’re willing to swap the streamer for a swim jig, lakes like Cayuga, Oneida, and the St. Lawrence are prime for smallie action this week. August heat means early mornings or late evenings, but the topwater rod is still getting a workout. But it’s not just about the giant catches and big events. Major League Fishing is dropping live action back onto national cable via a fresh deal with RFD-TV, so whether you’re on the road or at home tying flies, you can catch all the drama of their unique two-man Team Series Cup events across August through November. Think highlight reel fish catches, fierce leaderboard swings, and plenty This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI.