Dale Hollow Lake boat ramp renamed for angler who caught world record smallmouth bass

July 14, 2011
Author Lee McClellan

FRANKFORT, Ky. – On the morning of July 9, 1955, angler David L. Hayes of Leitchfield began a trolling run in the Phillip’s Bend area of Dale Hollow Lake.

After Hayes cleared a point near what is now Dale Hollow Lake State Resort Park, the biggest smallmouth bass ever caught by an angler struck his pearl-colored Bomber 600 lure. The 27-inch long smallmouth bass that Hayes reeled in from the Kentucky side of the lake that day weighed 11 pounds, 15 ounces. It remains the all-tackle world record.

To commemorate this legendary catch, the auxiliary boat ramp at Dale Hollow State Resort Park Marina was recently renamed the David L. Hayes Boat Ramp. The sign marking the ramp includes a life-sized image of the record fish.

“Now anglers that launch or take out their boats at Dale Hollow Lake State Resort Park can compare their trophy catches to the world record,” said Chad Miles, administrative coordinator for the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources.

The ramp dedication was a collaborative effort of the Kentucky Fish and Wildlife Foundation, the Kentucky Department of Parks and Kentucky Fish and Wildlife.

Art collectors also have the rare opportunity to purchase a copy of the Hayes smallmouth bass painted by nationally recognized wildlife artist Rick Hill. The Kentucky Fish and Wildlife Foundation is offering 100 prints individually signed and numbered by Hill. Proceeds from the sale will benefit conservation education efforts across Kentucky. The painting depicts the life-sized fish.

A print signed by Hill and Hayes now hangs in the lobby of the Mary Oaken Lodge at Dale Hollow Lake State Resort Park.

Prints are available for purchase online at www.kentuckywildlife.com

(Editors: email lee.mcclellan@ky.gov for photos)

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Contact: Lee McClellan
1-800-858-1549, ext. 4443

The Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources manages, regulates, enforces and promotes responsible use of all fish and wildlife species, their habitats, public wildlife areas and waterways for the benefit of those resources and for public enjoyment. Kentucky Fish and Wildlife is an agency of the Tourism, Arts and Heritage Cabinet. For more information on the department, visit our website at fw.ky.gov.