On July 22, 2000, Woo Daves won the Bassmaster classic with 14 smallmouth bass weighing 27 pounds, 13 ounces. B.A.S.S. labeled it one of the toughest tournaments in Classic history. Professional bass fishermen were overheard saying they would never come back to fish in Illinois. Fast forward to November 5, 2023, when Erik Brztowski won the Big Lake Bass Anglers Belt with six smallmouth bass weighing 28.32 pounds anchored by a 6.44-pound Big Bass of the tournament.

A quick comparison between the two tournaments shows stark differences. Between 1988 and 1993, the Chicago shoreline waters were invaded by round gobies and zebra mussels. Original theories drew concerns over possible damaging effects from these invasive species. Although the zebra mussels have been pests for marina and yacht owners, they have been helpful in cleaning up the water and improving water quality. In return, we now have more smallmouths than ever spawning on the shores of Lake Shore Drive. As for gobies, they seem to be the preferred snack of just about everything that swims, especially when it comes to smallmouth bass.

If you still need a little more convincing to come and fish the lake front, then look no further than the bass Bennet Gotlund caught last month. This fish was more than just a good fight and a picture. This could have been the bass that thousands, including myself, have been after: the Illinois State Record smallmouth bass.

While on a spring break trip to the city with his family, Bennet and his brother Noah did some fishing on the southwest side of Burnham Harbor. The boys were trying to catch some spring coho salmon. The fish, however, had a different idea. The two boys put on a clinic, catching numerous beautiful pre-spawn smallies on none other than their favorite coho bait, a hot orange Storm Hot ‘N Tot. I personally found great joy in the fact that most of the shore anglers I know have struggled due to cold air and water temps that has caused them to downsize, use lighter line, and more finesse tactics. Meanwhile, the Gotlund boys are out here slinging Hot ‘N Tot with 25-pound braid on baitcasting equipment—far from finesse.

Although young, the Gotlund boys are far from beginners. And they have the pictures to prove it. So, when Bennet hooked his new PB (personal best), he knew it was something different than ever before. Bennet said the fish went straight to the bottom of the harbor and even started pulling drag off his baitcaster. This is something the 5-pounders Bennet has caught in the past didn’t do.

After a few minutes of fighting and fearing this beast of a smallmouth might break his 25-pound braided line, it finally accepted defeat and came to the surface. Then came the scariest part. With no net, the boys pulled the fish up the wall by just the braid. Without having a good knot and braided line, it never could have been done, but they pulled it up and over the ledge. Sitting in front of them was the biggest bass they have ever seen.

During the fight, Bennet drew a small crowd cheering him on. Realizing he didn’t have a scale or a bump board, one of the onlookers offered up a measuring tape. When the fish hit the tape, a legend was made. The fish measured 24 inches—2 feet of pre-spawn smallmouth plump full of eggs and food. It was the biggest bass any of them have seen, and it may have been the biggest anyone has ever seen in Illinois.

With no bucket or scale in sight, Bennet did what he was always taught and released the smallmouth back to the waters of Lake Michigan. Growing up, he was taught by his dad Rudy Gotlund of Basa’s Marine to keep the salmon and release the bass. Although Bennet may not see his name in the record book, his catch was the buzz around town and even gained national fishing attention. The best part of all is that not only is that big girl still out there swimming, but she will spawn this year, laying thousands of eggs with possible record-breaking genetics!

The moral of the story: Bennet Gotlund caught a fish of a lifetime, and the Chicago lakefront is a premier smallmouth destination. With many fish being now caught in the 4- to 5-pound range, and occasional giants showing up, there may not be as much of a need to drive to Sturgeon Bay or Lake St. Clair. As I love to say, Chicago is a fishing city.  So, grab your rod and head down to Chicago to one of the many harbors, Chicago River, or right off Lake Shore Drive and take a cast. The potential state record is only one cast away.

If you are looking for some guidance on where to start, contact Capt. Ryan Whitacre for a guided fishing trip right in the heart of Chicago; visit him at Chicagobassfishing.com.

Interested in fishing a different location this season? You’ll find plenty of suggestions in every issue of MidWest Outdoors. Subscribe on our website.