From a 40-pound lake monster in Hayden Lake to a 75-year-old record vindicated by passionate bass fishing sleuths, angler stories covered all manner of strange in 2023. Anglers from all over the state hoisted up some incredible benchmarks last year (and have pictures to show for it).
In total, 2023 had 15 new state records, which included 6 certified-weight records, and 9 new catch-and-release records. Making the cut this year are the following angler trophy stories.
The Panhandle Pike
When Thomas Francis stepped up to the water’s shore on March 21, 2023, the furthest thing from his mind was becoming the next state-record Northern pike angler. Francis was planning on going after a Hayden Lake monster that day, but the 40.76-pound lake monster that eventually took the hook was beyond his wildest imagination.