Gabe Keen’s state fishing record stood for more than 11 years

The record Keen broke in February 2015 had stood for more than 60 years

NASHVILLE, TN- The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) has confirmed that a new state record for a Largemouth Bass has been established, breaking the previous mark, which was set more than 11 years ago by Campbell County High School Fishing Coach Gabe Keen. “Records are made to be broken. Catching the state record was an amazing experience that led to a lot of good opportunities,” said Keen.

Darren Nunley, above, caught the record fish in Nickajack Reservoir on Feb. 28 of this year. It weighed 15 pounds, 7 1/2 ounces, and was 27 7/8 inches in length. The new mark surpasses Keen’s previous record. Keen caught a largemouth weighing 15 pounds, 3 ounces on Friday the 13th in February 2015, which at the time had broken a record which stood for more than 60 years. “I’m sure he’ll be a good representative as well. I did tell him that I was coming for his record,” said Keen.

“I met a lot of people that became friends and gained some sponsors that make fishing tournaments easier for me and my son. God blessed me with an amazing experience and it was an honor to hold the record and represent Tennessee in that way for 11 years,” said Keen.

A resident of Whitwell, near Chattanooga, Nunley made his record haul at 8am on a jackhammer chatterbait lure. He was using a 17-pound fluorocarbon test line and a Shimano reel.

“I spoke with Darren while he was at TWRA’s office with Mike Jolley certifying his fish. I congratulated him, and we swapped fish stories. He seems like a good dude, and we’re supposed to get a picture together once his mount is back,” said Keen.

The fish was weighed on a certified scale at a grocery store in Whitwell. TWRA sent a fin clip for genetic testing, with official results finalized on May 9.

The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency is responsible for protecting, managing, and conserving fish and wildlife species for the benefit of Tennesseans and visitors. The Agency also maintains public safety through law enforcement and safety education on waterways.

“I told people after I caught it that I didn’t think I would get my mount back before it was broken again. At that time, there were a couple other guys down there that were catching big ones. I never thought it would last as long as it did,” said Keen. (WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED-05/18/2026-6AM-PHOTOS COURTESY OF TWRA AND GABE KEEN)