Patrick Hildenbrand, age 37 from Red Hook, New York, ties the New York Smallmouth record while participating in a NYTBF bass fishing tournament at Cape Vincent, New York sponsored by the Cape Vincent Chamber of Commerce. Patrick’s smallmouth was initially reported as 8.15 pounds. The tournament scales were sent out for a recertification due to the possibility of a state record fish. After getting the recertified scales back, Patrick’s fish actually was found to weigh in at 8 lbs. 4 oz. This tied the New York state smallmouth record set in 1995 by Andrew Kartesz. The fish measured 21 1⁄2” long and had a girth of 20 3⁄4” around. After weighing, measuring, and photographing the fish, it was successfully released back into the river alive to continue to grow.
Patrick will be receiving from the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation a custom engraved plaque, certificate of achievement, and a lapel pin. Pictures of his record fish have been circulating around major sources on the Internet. He will be featured in an upcoming article from FLW Outdoors.
Patrick ended up second in the tournament and received the big bass award from the Cape Vincent Chamber of Commerce.
The fish was caught around 7 a.m. on Sunday morning August 28, 2016 in the St. Lawrence River near Cape Vincent. At the time the conditions were calm with overcast skies and 70 degree air temperature and a water temperature of 74 degrees. Patrick saw a large fish arch in 35 feet of water on his Humminbird fishfinder and was able to mark the arch and driver back over it, enabling him to catch the fish using the dropshot technique. Unfortunately, he did not have his GoPro camera turned on during the catch. Patrick used T-H Marine G-Juice Livewell Treatment and ice to make sure the fish would stay healthy during the day.
He used a Dobyns Fury Series FR 702SF Dropshot 7’ ML rod paired with a Team Lews® Pro Speed® Spin Series spinning reel. For line, he used GAMMA Torque Braided Fishing line in 15# test with a Gander Mountain Flourocarbon Line 6# test leader. The bait used was a Berkley Powerbait Dropshot Minnow in a goby color. He also used several different Keitech baits as well during the day. The hook used was a Gamakatsu TGW Drop Shot Hook in a 1/0 size with an Eco PRO Tungsten Pro Drop Shot weight in 3/8 ounce.
Patrick’s other equipment of choice included a Ranger boat equipped with a Minn Kota Fortrex trolling motor, Interstate AGM batteries, Costa sunglasses, Under Armour and Carhartt clothing and shoes, and towed by a 2016 Dodge 2500 Series pickup.
About the NYTBF – New York The Bass Federation (NYTBF) is an affiliate state chapter of The Bass Federation, the original grass roots bass fishing organization whose motto “Owned by those we serve, dedicated to the sport of fishing” embodies the very essence of who we are and what we do. Our organization is committed to providing something for people of all ages and gender. We offer youth, high school, collegiate, adult and team tournaments, you need not own a boat to participate and regardless of your on the water experience we’re certain you’ll find like-minded folks within our group. We fish all across the state and with the support of our local and national sponsors we’re pleased to offer area anglers additional opportunities to enjoy New York’s diverse bass fishery.
