Brad Matz, Big Bear Lake set a new Big Bear Lake record for smallmouth bass on 6/27/11. The 3.50 pound bass beat the previous lake record held by Gary Kalina, Big Bear City. The old record stood at 3.12 pounds and was set less than a year ago on 8/12/10.

Brad is the owner of snaprco.com a company that is famous for inventing the SNAPR, a hook setting device that is sold worldwide. Brad was curious when he arrived at the Big Bear Marina/Big Bear Municipal Water Dist. Official Weigh Station at 5:00 pm on the 27th. Not sure what the fish would weigh and not allowing himself to contemplate a lake record. Brad said, "Here we go", as he laid the smallie in the scale basket.

As the scale read 3.50 Brad exclaimed, "Wow, that's a nice one...what is the lake record?" As I turned to reveal the lake record board, he couldn't believe his eyes!

"Congratulations Brad you have a new lake record!"

Brad was so happy, because not only did he have a new lake record, he caught the record fish on a new jig he is developing for his company Snaprco. The jig is called the Aquatic Predator, and should be a big seller in the bassin' market. The jig is not yet available to bass anglers, but you can bet it will be very soon.

All Big Bear Lake Records can be found at Big Bear Marina Website, or stop by the marina and check out the lake record wall of fame. No lake record for bluegill has been established yet, and the crappie record at 1.26 pounds could be an easy one to beat.