Today it was officially announced that the IGFA accepted and approved Manabu Kurita's application for his 22lb 4.97 oz largemouth bass caught from Lake Biwa last year. It is 1 ounce heavier then George Perry's long standing 77 year old record. The IGFA unfortunately considers it a tie unless you surpass by more then 2 ounces. See article on Bassmaster.com and Update from BassFan.com

Photo Courtesy of IGFA
Forme, I personally recognize Kurita's fish as the new worldrecord.Personally I do not believe Perry's fish was that big and anounce is an ounce in my book. I have lost too many tournaments by lessthen an ounce, it counts! Congrats Mr. Kurita!!!

Regardless, what an amazing fish!