NASHVILLE, Tenn. — A Tennessee angler has set a new state record with his catch of an invasive Alabama bass on the Ocoee River, according to the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA).
The 7 pounds, 3 ounces Class A fish was caught by angler Caleb Bell on the Ocoee River and tops the previous state record of 7 pounds, 0 ounces from Parksville Reservoir set by Shane McKee in 2014.
Unfortunately, Alabama Bass are an invasive species that was illegally introduced in Tennessee. Invasive species are non-native species that cause harm to the environment, economy, or health of humans or native species. Alabama Bass currently impact numerous reservoirs associated with the Tennessee River…