I didn't know that Mr. Hayes passed away this past year. RIP I always thought that Mr. Hayes was a victim of a couple of jelous scumbags in Tenn, and I still do. I met Mr. Hayes a few years ago and he was a stand up guy. I'll go to my grave believing his fish was completely legitimate. It will be one of the toughest world records to ever beat. That fish was a freak of nature and will stand the test of time. I can't think of a tougher record to break.

PS ....Not to rag on Tenn., but I have a little problem with them claiming the fish as their state record smallmouth. I would hope that Kentucky would require that all of our state records are caught in the confines of our state. (rant, rant, rant.....)