My Client Catches – A Bass of a Lifetime at 80cm, and 11lb 12oz

80cm, 11lb 12oz. Yes, it is absolutely nuts isn’t it!!!!

70cm bass are rare beasts, with our South Devon Bass Guide clients have now landed 19 over this size… But an 80cm bass – well, I have only ever seen one prior to my client Alfie’s utter behemoth – a monster of 83cm that I landed back in November 2021 that I weighed at 12lb 2oz. Incidentally, this is one of only three bass that I have weighed, in a sling, in over 15 years, such is my reticence to do so for fear of adding additional stress to what exceptionally beautiful creatures.

And taking of Creatures… Some of you may be pleased to read that this majestic fish, that was successfully released (video further down the post following Alfie’s words) after snatching the Pirate Lures Teaser in the Pink Cheek pattern here, from practically under his rod tip.

As I will reveal at a later date, there was a remarkable chain of events that lead up to what is an equally remarkable capture, including a number of decisions that I had to make as their guide that I am also extremely proud of. Moreover, this was my first 3 Day Package of the 2026 Season, one in which we landed a lot of bass out on the open coastal beaches in the darkness.

Volume 3…

Indeed, the full, unedited story of this marvellous capture needs to be told. And it will be. In fact, this mammoth bass has acted as the catalyst to another decision – that I will be writing and releasing Volume 3 to my Bass Lure Fishing – A Guide’s Perspective series of books this coming winter.

This will be a title devoted to the accounts of all of wonderful bass my clients and I have caught during what has already been a seminal period of bass lure fishing since I released The Lure of The Bass – The Revised Edition. Furthermore, it is my full intention to release this title as an Audio Book also…

The Gallery

For now though, you will have to make do with the gallery of photographs that I shot with shaking hands and spluttering words – such was the emotion and excitement that was running through mine, Alfie’s, and his extremely proud Dad’s bodies in those quite profound moments.

Many, many congratulations guys – what a session, what a fish, and what memories made.

Alfie’s Words

“My experience with Marc at South Devon Bass Guide Ltd blew was a thoroughly enjoyable!. The planning, fishing and overall experience blew my expectations. Myself and my dad joined Marc on a three day guided bass tour for an unforgettable trip bass fishing. Starting off, we met Marc at the Chillington House BnB Hotel, where he had a flick through our kit and gave us a rundown on how the three days would pan out.

Starting off we spent the first morning fishing creature baits and got to know Marc and the famous Bertie! We then went onto check in at the BnB where we would be staying for the duration of the trip. The staff were very friendly, food was really good, and the service was brilliant. We then went on to fish an evening session, where we landing plenty of nice bass into the hours of darkness.

The next day was where the magic happened, we started of in an area Marc thought the bass would be, but after an uneventful morning we went onto move spots, and with Marc’s expert guiding he managed to put us onto some sizeable fish. I flicked out a Pirate Lures Teaser to the bass and managed to land a fish of a lifetime, an 80cm 11lb 12oz lure-caught bass!!

We then headed to the local pub to celebrate with a steak and a beer! Here we also met Marc’s other guide Joe, who came to share the moment with us – what top blokes they both are!

The evening session proved successful again, with more lure-caught bass landed under the beautiful star lit sky. The venues both Marc and Joe take you too are picturesque, and also have the chance to land a fish of a lifetime!

The last day was spent fine tuning different methods of lure fishing where Marc went over different styles of lure fishing for bass, and when to change lures depending on the tides and bass behaviour.

I’d highly recommend booking a trip with South Devon Bass Guide! Whether you’re new to bass fishing or looking to enhance your existing knowledge, Marc will no doubt teach you a lifetimes worth of knowledge over the duration of your trip. The overall experience was very enjoyable, the planning was brilliant, we had plenty of laughs and learnt a serious amount of knowledge about lure fishing for bass.”

2026/2027 Availability

My 2nd Guide Joe’s Remaining 2026 Availability can be found via the tab here: 2026/27 Availability. To enquire, please complete the Contact Form below:

If you would like to enquire about my (Marc Cowling) 2027 Availability or if you would like to be added to my 2026 Reserve List or 2027 Mailing Lists respectively, then please also complete the Contact Form below:

Thanks for reading.

Marc Cowling

Owner/Director – South Devon Bass Guide Ltd