Al's SWS article

[Mr. Sandman]

OK, I don't want to start a war here but I have been following all the buzz about this fellow since the day he caught this fish. I use to think that he caught the fish and the world was looking to exploit the fish and him for whatever it is worth...but now my opinion is changing...

I have been fishing sb for over 40 years and I find several odd things about this article.

The biggest problem I have is that he hooked it at 8pm and landed it at midnight? I find this very hard to believe. While he was in heavy weather still...4 hours? OK it is a big fish, no doubt, 78 is a big one esp on 20# test. All I know is I landed a 58 on 20# test in 15 minutes from the shore in similar conditions. I find it very hard to believe it took 4 hours. I know of NO SB that EVER took so long to land. I did have a 30# leader he tied direct.IMO this should have taken no longer then 30-45min AT THE OUTSIDE..4 hours is so insane I just can' believe ANY SB lasting 4 hours.

2) I have read on what an "experienced" bass hotshot this guy was many times...but he says his largest fish to date (prior to the record) was only 39 lbs! What I find it odd he did not put a leader on his 20# class line. Generally if you are going for a record, you fish with tournment line, as he did but the rules allow for and most experienced anglers will fish with a leader...he tied direct. if you are fishing light line in hostile waters with big fish and seeking a record...well I think most would have a leader of some kind. Tying direct with class line is not smart as it is designed to break at 20 when in perfect condition, when knicked up as it will get during the battle it will break at much less then that. I know he had serious drag on it from his description of the rod bending. Also I know some guys tie direct for some fishing but class line...rough condtions, rocks, fins, direct? Seems like the wrong call to this experienced angler.

3) He says he wanted to "gut the fish" to make it lighter to carry up the beach. Does this sound like someone seeking a record to you? Fish with IGFA class line, land a giant fish, then want to gut it?


4) The fish fought like no bass I have heard of. Maybe it happened that way but this in and out and in and out and in and out each time to the end of the line seems like a stretch to me.


I am looking forward to the rest of the article but I have to say, something does smell fishy more now then ever.

I am glad he is saying this in his own words so we can finally clear the air.


IMO he has the record and that it is and has been the target for the last 20 years. But this "fish story" and his life story is too much!

I would like to get Tony Stetszkos take on this. I know his 73 did not take 4 hours.


Also I think for some records you have to agree to subject yourself to a polygraph test...did this happen?
what do you guys think?