Had the biggest smallmouth I have ever seen hooked today. At first, I thought it might be a good 4 or 5 pounder...and I had it in my head that I might flip it in the boat, or maybe lip it at the boat. I was enjoying the tug of war and also curious about if there were more like it nearby....when I finally got a gimpse of how big it actually was. Panic set in quickly, as I immediately thought about the net. The net was under a tackle bag, jacket, rain bibs, and hadn't been used all day.
Anyway, as I fumbled with one hand to get the net out...........the fish ran and pulled under the boat and all over the place. I pulled the trolling motor up and finally thought I had it semi- under control. Well, as soon as I got the net in my hand, the fish jumped .....hitting the side if the boat....and throwing the hook.
I have no idea of the actual weight....but I have caught a 6 lb 11 oz and a few around 6 and a half.....and this one was way WAY WAY bigger than that. The emotions raged through my mind... first I was excited, then I was pissed, then I was disappointed, then I was happy it wasn't worth any money. I f I were to guess....I would say it was 7 and a half to 8 pounds. It hit lightly, like any clone ( 2 pounder) or 4 pounder would. I hooked it in about 15 ft of water. I caught 30 to 40 fish today total from 6 inches ......to the big mother.
I know close doesn't count, but it was pretty cool. I needed a pick me up and believe it or not....it was a good one even though I never touched that fish.
Take care
Jeff