A Gainesville man, 24-year-old Luke Matthews, faced an unexpected challenge during a private fishing competition on Orange Lake, located in southeastern Alachua County. At approximately 3 p.m., Matthews launched his 12-foot aluminum boat into the 12,550-acre Fish Management Area, prepared for an afternoon of competitive angling.
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While navigating the waters, Matthews encountered a largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides) of extraordinary size, far surpassing any he had previously encountered. The fish aggressively attacked Matthews’ topwater frog lure, initiating a fierce struggle.
Demonstrating skill and perseverance, Matthews managed to subdue the formidable bass using lawful fishing methods. He secured the fish and recorded the necessary details to qualify for the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s top-tier angler recognition program.
For more information, visit Bassmaster.com.
Source: Florida Man Battles Giant Bass in Gator-Infested Waters
