Paul Crowder of Forrest City, Ark., set the new state record with a 16-pound, 5-ounce largemouth on Lake Dunn. Photo by Arkansas Game and Fish Commission.

March 12, 2012 • MLF • Archives

Several media outlets in Arkansas are now reporting that the potential state record largemought bass was caught illegally. It appears Paul Crowder of Forrest City, Ark., had been fishing without a license since April 2011.

Not only will the record return to Aaron Mardis, Crowder could be forced to pay $1,000 and spend 30 days in jail. Crowder reportedly purchased a license three hours after he caught the fish. State record-fish rules require that an angler hold a valid license at the time of the catch.

Crowder’s bass, which came from 80-acre Lake Dunn, was killed. The fish was seized as evidence by AGFC wildlife officers. Crowder has a court hearing March 19 in Wynne District Court. Crowder’s fish weighed 16 pounds, 5 ounces, while Mardis’ weighed 16-4.

For more information from KATV, click here.