A Whitwell resident has made fishing history by catching a new state record largemouth bass in Nickajack Reservoir. Darren Nunley’s impressive catch has been officially confirmed by the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) and breaks a record that stood for more than a decade.

Nunley caught the record-breaking fish on February 28, weighing in at 15 pounds, 7 1/2 ounces and measuring 27 7/8 inches in length. The catch surpasses the previous state record of 15 pounds, 3 ounces, which was set by Gabe Keen in February 2015.

The successful angler made his record haul early in the morning at 8 a.m., using a jackhammer chatterbait lure with a 17-pound fluorocarbon test line and a Shimano reel. The fish was weighed on a certified scale at a local Whitwell grocery store to ensure accuracy.

Following standard protocol, the TWRA sent a fin clip for genetic testing to verify the catch. Official results were finalized on May 9, confirming Nunley’s new state record. The previous record had stood for more than 60 years before being broken in 2015.

The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency is responsible for protecting, managing, and conserving fish and wildlife species throughout the state for the benefit of residents and visitors alike.

Source: Darren Nunley sets Tennessee largemouth bass state record with 15-pound, 7.5-ounce catch