nyangler.com staff
Nyangler Team
New York Angler Dante Piraino Hooks a Giant
On a calm Sunday morning, Dante Piraino found himself in an extraordinary situation while competing in a New York BASS Nation tournament on the St. Lawrence River. At approximately 9 a.m., Piraino hooked what would turn out to be an enormous 9-pound smallmouth bass, a possible New York state record. Despite realizing the fish's size, Piraino chose to release it, prioritizing the fish's survival over record certification.The Big Catch in Depths of 30 Feet
Fishing in 30 feet of water, Piraino initially thought he had hooked a good-sized fish—perhaps around 6 pounds. The fish, however, proved to be much larger as it surfaced multiple times. Fishing alone, Piraino struggled to net the fish due to its sheer size.Maintaining the Fish's Health
Piraino, who owns Deep River Technologies, quickly fizzed the fish to relieve pressure in its air bladder, a practice that increases survival rates for fish brought up from deep water. The fish was placed in Piraino's live well, where it appeared healthy and ready for transport. Piraino kept a close eye on the fish as he prepared for the 75-mile journey back to the weigh station in Ogdensburg.Weighing in: A 31.4-Pound Bag and a 9-Pound Lunker
Piraino, using a Berkley Flat Nose Minnow on a Ned Rig, managed to put together an impressive tournament bag. In addition to the 9-pounder, his final haul included two 5-pound smallmouths and two 6-pound fish, totaling 31.4 pounds. The weigh-in crowd cheered when the officials confirmed the weight of the 9-pound fish, hinting at a potential state record.Fish Specs and the Decision to Release
Piraino’s fish measured 23.12 inches in length with an 18.25-inch girth. It surpassed the current New York smallmouth bass record of 8 pounds 6 ounces, caught in 2022. Despite advice from officials to freeze the fish for further inspection, Piraino chose to release it after recording its official weight and measurements."I wasn't going to kill that bass," Piraino said, firmly standing by his decision to keep the fish alive.
Why Piraino Released the Record Fish
Piraino’s decision to release the potential record-breaking fish resonated with the fishing community. His ethical stance on catch and release has garnered respect from anglers nationwide, emphasizing conservation over recognition.So Here's What Happened
- Dante Piraino caught a 9-pound smallmouth bass on the St. Lawrence River, a possible New York state record.
- Piraino used a 4-inch Berkley Flat Nose Minnow on a Ned Rig, fishing at a depth of 30 feet.
- After fizzing the fish to ensure its health, Piraino completed a 75-mile journey to the weigh station, where his total bag weighed 31.4 pounds.
- Although the bass surpassed the current state record, Piraino chose to release it instead of freezing it for official inspection.
- Piraino’s decision highlights his commitment to conservation and has earned him widespread respect among anglers.
