Fisherman Breaks 46-Year-Old California Crappie Record on Clear Lake

California has a new record for largest crappie caught with the landing of a 4 pound, 5 ounce black crappie on February 17. The astounding fish breaks a 46-year-old state record.

The fish was caught by David Burruss, owner of Clearlake Outdoors bait and tackle shop, by using his boat’s electronic fish finder and soft plastic bait. At first, Burruss believed the fish was a carp due to its large size. Then, after it bit on his second cast, he believed it to be a largemouth bass. He was shocked when he pulled the massive crappie into the boat.

The previous state record was a 4 pound, 1 ounce black crappie caught in 1975 at New Hogan Lake in Calaveras County. Clear Lake now holds the California records for both black and white crappie. The state record white crappie at 4 pounds, 8 ounces was caught in Clear Lake back in 1971.

Clear Lake has long been considered one of the best bass fishing lakes in the country. You can also land other species in the lake, like bluegill, catfish, carp and, of course, crappie. For more information on fishing on Clear Lake, go to clearlakeoutdoors.com.