News flash -- A veteran angler caught a new inland state record striper weighing 29.86 pounds, 45 1/4 inches long at Lake Pleasant the morning of July 13 trolling 30 feet deep in the northern section of the main lake basin. For the two gray-topped anglers (retirees) in the boat, it was their 51st trip to Pleasant this year.

It was a monster. Way to go guys.

The secret (I promised not to give all their secrets away): big plasic lures or jigs and heavy line fished from ocean-type reels and poles.

Bob Liddington from Phoenix is now our new state record holder. He brought his grandkids and son to Game and Fish for the weigh in! Now that's a proud anger and grandfather. Or is that grandfather angler? 

Bob knew right away it was a big one -- despite his heavy-duty pole and reel, it ran on him and he couldn't reel it in at first. In fact, the fish was so big and heavy his buddy couldn't lift it into the boat once the monsters was in the net.

Now that's a fishing memory!

- Rory Aikens, fishing report editor

Fish Stats

Size: 29.86 pounds, 45.25 inch striped bass

Where: Lake Pleasant, upper half of lake

When: Tuesday, July 13 around 6 a.m.

How: Trolling 30 feet deep with jigs

Angler:  Bob Liddington from Phoenix

Notables: This beats the previous record by one pound, although it is ½ inch shorter (28 lb. 9.28 oz. 45.7 in., Lake Pleasant by John R. Davis, Peoria 12/7/09).

For more information on big fish of the year contests, state records and where to fish, visit www.azgfd.gov/fishing.