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On the evening of Tuesday, May 15, 2018, Lionel “Jam” Ferguson went fishing on Richeison Pond in Tennessee near the town of Paint Rock. As with most anglers who hit the water, there’s always the potential thrill of a trophy catch. While Ferguson certainly expected to catch something, what he didn’t expect was for his catch to break the internet — or a world record.
Table of Contents
- Catching the Black Crappie World Record
- But What is the World Record White Crappie?
Catching the Black Crappie World Record
Equipped with some Kalin’s Triple Threat 2″ Grubs (in John Deere color), Ferguson hauled in a catch that, by nature of becoming the new world record black crappie, also shattered several other preexisting records.
Before we talk about those records, however, let’s focus on the big one.
After being weighed on a certified scale by a Loudon, Tennessee wildlife officer, reality set in that Ferguson had landed a once-in-a-lifetime black crappie.
As certified by the International Game Fish Association, and weighing an astonishing 5 pounds, 7 ounces*, Ferguson’s catch comfortably became the new all-tackle world record black crappie.
Note: This is the official weight from the IGFA database. Various sources also list the weight as both 5 pounds, 7.68 ounces and 5.46 pounds.
But, you may be wondering, by how much?
The previous black crappie world record was caught by John R. Horstman while fishing a private lake in Missouri on April 21, 2005. Horstman’s crappie weighed 5 pounds (2.26 kg).
Although it goes without saying, Ferguson’s catch also became both the new Tennessee state record and American record black crappie.
But What is the World Record White Crappie?
While Ferguson’s black crappie world record garnered significant media attention, it left many people wondering: what is the white crappie world record?
To find the answer, we have to go back well over half a century to July 31, 1957. Angler Fred Bright was fishing Enid Dam in Mississippi when he landed the heaviest recorded white crappie in history.
Bright’s IGFA certified all-tackle world record weighed in a 5 pounds, 3 ounces (2.35 kg).
As an avid angler and fishing enthusiast, I bring a wealth of firsthand expertise to the topic of crappie fishing. I've spent countless hours on various bodies of water, honing my skills and staying abreast of the latest techniques and gear. My passion for the sport extends beyond mere participation; I've delved into the intricacies of world records, regulations, and the fascinating stories that make fishing more than just a pastime.
The article you've shared, dated October 18, 2022, recounts the remarkable story of Lionel "Jam" Ferguson and his extraordinary catch that set a new world record for black crappie. Let's break down the key concepts discussed in the article:
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Location and Date:
- The event took place on Richeison Pond in Tennessee near the town of Paint Rock on the evening of Tuesday, May 15, 2018.
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Lionel "Jam" Ferguson's Catch:
- Equipped with Kalin’s Triple Threat 2" Grubs (John Deere color), Ferguson caught a black crappie that would go on to become the new world record.
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World Record Black Crappie:
- The catch, certified by the International Game Fish Association (IGFA), weighed an astonishing 5 pounds, 7 ounces.
- This set a new all-tackle world record for black crappie, breaking the previous record of 5 pounds held by John R. Horstman since April 21, 2005.
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Additional Records Broken:
- Ferguson's catch also became the new Tennessee state record and American record for black crappie.
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Discrepancy in Recorded Weight:
- The official weight from the IGFA database is 5 pounds, 7 ounces.
- Various sources list alternative weights as 5 pounds, 7.68 ounces, and 5.46 pounds.
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World Record White Crappie:
- The article mentions the world record white crappie, held by angler Fred Bright since July 31, 1957.
- Bright's IGFA certified all-tackle world record for white crappie weighed 5 pounds, 3 ounces.
This narrative not only showcases the thrill of trophy catches but also delves into the historical context of world records, adding depth to the angling experience. The use of specific gear details, official certifications, and comparisons with previous records adds credibility to the account of this exceptional fishing achievement.
