Story behind the story

Have you ever wondered how Bassmaster's senior writers and editors go about getting a story? It's not as easy as you might think. It involves lots of hard work coupled with journalistic integrity. That's especially true when the story involves a catch 50 years old; one like the 11 pound, 15 ounce monster smallmouth caught in Dale Hollow on July 9, 1955.

This fish has been the subject of controversy since allegations surfaced that a dock worker "salted" the fish, causing it to be decertified as the world record. David Hayes, on holiday from his home in Kentucky, caught the fish. He vehemently denies any wrongdoing, then and now.

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