Dante Piraino potentially caught a 9-pound smallmouth bass, perhaps breaking NY state record, during a B.A.S.S. Nation Tournament.

Dante Piraino, a fisherman from Upstate New York, may have caught a new state record smallmouth bass, weighing close to 9 pounds, during a B.A.S.S. Nation Tournament on September 22nd. Although the current record is 8 pounds, 6 ounces, Piraino released the fish rather than allowing state officials to weigh it, which may affect official recognition. He is awaiting confirmation and has also qualified for the B.A.S.S. Nation Championship.