ARIZONA ANGLING BREAKTHROUGH: Record-Breaking 16.57-Pound Largemouth Bass Caught and Released at Roosevelt Lake as Conservation Ethics Take Center Stage
An Analysis of Steve Jenkins' Tournament Catch and Its Impact on Arizona Bass Fishing Community
Steve Jenkins, an experienced tournament angler who knows Roosevelt Lake's productive waters from countless fishing expeditions, displays the massive 16.57-pound largemouth bass that could potentially break Arizona's state record before making the conservation-minded decision to release it back to the lake's fertile waters.
The Arizona bass fishing community witnessed a historic moment when Steve Jenkins landed what could be a new state record largemouth bass during a tournament at Roosevelt Lake. On March 15th, 2024, Jenkins caught and released a massive 16.57-pound largemouth that exceeded the current Arizona state record by nearly two pounds.
This remarkable catch represents more than just numbers on a scale - it demonstrates the health of Roosevelt Lake's bass population and the growing conservation ethic among Arizona's angling community.
The tournament setting provided the perfect backdrop for this incredible catch. Roosevelt Lake, known for producing trophy-class largemouth bass, has been carefully managed by the Arizona Game and Fish Department to maintain its status as one of the Southwest's premier bass fishing destinations.
The Fight and Landing Story
Jenkins was targeting structure along a familiar shoreline when his bait was intercepted by what he initially thought was a snag. "The fish hit so hard and held so deep, I thought I was hung up on a rock ledge," Jenkins recalled. "When she finally moved, I knew I had something special."The battle lasted nearly twenty minutes, with the massive bass making several powerful runs that tested both Jenkins' equipment and experience. Using a medium-heavy rod paired with 15-pound fluorocarbon line, Jenkins carefully worked the fish away from underwater structure that could have easily ended the fight.
"She jumped twice, and both times I couldn't believe the size," Jenkins said. "In forty years of fishing Roosevelt Lake, I've caught some good ones, but nothing like this."
Conservation Message
Perhaps the most remarkable aspect of Jenkins' catch was his immediate decision to release the fish back to Roosevelt Lake's waters. Despite the potential for official state record recognition, Jenkins prioritized the fish's contribution to the lake's bass population."This fish represents years of perfect conditions and careful lake management," Jenkins explained. "She's likely a prime spawner that's contributed to Roosevelt Lake's trophy bass population for many years. Getting her back in the water healthy was more important than any record book."
This conservation-minded approach reflects a growing trend among trophy bass anglers who recognize the value of preserving exceptional breeding stock. The Arizona Game and Fish Department has praised such practices as essential for maintaining world-class bass fishing opportunities.
Technical Specifications
- Weight: 16 pounds, 9 ounces (16.57 lbs)
- Length: 25.5 inches
- Girth: 19.75 inches
- Location: Roosevelt Lake, Arizona
- Date: March 15, 2024
- Technique: Structure fishing with plastic worm
- Equipment: Medium-heavy rod, 15lb fluorocarbon
- Time of Day: Early morning (6:45 AM)
- Water Temperature: 62°F
- Weather: Overcast, light wind
Arizona Game and Fish biologists noted that the catch demonstrates the success of habitat improvement projects and selective harvest programs implemented over the past decade. These management strategies have created ideal conditions for bass to reach exceptional sizes.