“The Legend of Ethel, ” a YouTube video, tells the story of how a 17.67-pound bass caught in November 1986 became the first fish entered into Texas Parks and Wildlife Department’s ShareLunker Program and went on to become the featured attraction at the original Bass Pro Shops in Springfield, Missouri.
Ethel became the “poster fish” for catch-and-release fishing and was viewed by an estimated 20 million people before her death in 1994. Her memorial service was attended by 1,500 people and made national news.
Larry Whiteley in Ethel’s eulogy, Bass Pro’s public relations specialist, noted that not long before her death she weighed over 20 pounds, was 32 inches in girth and 28 inches in length. Ethel was known throughout the world as the largest largemouth in captivity. She was survived by her relatives, 17-pound Wanda Bass, 16-1/2-pound Gerty Bass and 15-pound Lily Bass, now among the largest bass in captivity.
“Ethel led the life of royalty, hand-fed goldfish by divers each day. She established her home turf underneath some root wads where she spent most of her time,” according to Whiteley. The giant aquarium, visible from several levels in the shop, resembles a lake bottom and holds a variety of freshwater species.
Although Ethel became somewhat of a recluse in her old age, when she arrived at her new home nearly eight years ago she immediately took charge, gobbling down one-pound crappies and, literally taking over the tank. Later she calmed down and developed a personality.
Ethel's pattern was to linger in the background while other frenzied fish ate. But sooner or later she'd leave her root-wad hideout and bang against the diver, letting him know it was chow time.
"You could see why big bass are so hard to catch just by watching Ethel," said Whiteley. "Where Ethel spent most of her time no fisherman could ever get a lure to her."
Texas angler Mark Stevenson, who caught Ethel, lured the fish on a jig and craw-worm combo, hooking the lunker bass as he reeled it through a deep brushpile. The fish, destined to become a legend, was the shape of a huge football, measuring 27-1/2-inches and sporting a 24-1/2-inch girth.
