Dwight Hottle

Your pictures would come out better if you position yourself or the boat so your facing the sun.

If you have never used an Ima Flit jerkbait now is the time to get your feet wet. Great darting action & walk the dog under water. Suspends perfectly. I like the 120 series size the best. https://www.tacklewarehouse.com/Ima_Flit_Jerkbait/descpage-IRF.html

You are right personal trophies are relative to the angler & the body of water he fishes. When I first started fishing for smallmouth I quickly set my goal to catch an actual 5lber. When I achieved that goal I strived to catch a 6lber. When I caught my first 6 my buddy asked me if I was going to keep it for a mount. I thought about & then released it. I told him I would catch a bigger one. I released my PB a 7-6 and never considered a mount or replica. My replica goal is a 8lber. My advice to you is let your gut tell you. If you fish quality waters you will top out above 5lbs. Maybe even bigger than 6.

Congrats on your new pb.

Best & cheap don't go together when looking for quality. Good luck with that.

I always thought that the coloration was a product of their environment/surroundings. Fish tight to the bottom look washed out with little color while suspended fish show vibrant coloration.

I know an awful lot of smallmouth that agree with your assumption that mono does just fine and I never suffer knot failure.

The slightly heavier reels help balance out a lot of rods too.

Ran across this story on another forum. Thought it was interesting read. https://www.flwfishing.com/tips/2014-02-04-record-breaker-the-story-of-roy-landsberger-s-ohio-state-record-largemouth-bass

Welcome aboard Tim

only for the fisherman.

If you have a swing tongue just pull the lock pin & insert a large lock thru the lock pin hole after swinging the tongue to the side.

Congrats on the new PB. They are sweet.

Great day indeed. I like that you snuck in that rat picture for the swimbaiters. ?

Welcome to BR Anthony. Somebody will get you some info.

And the plot thickens.

Welcome aboard Rich.

If the first suggestion doesn't work try calling the rod manufacture. They will often times just send you the replacement tip top for free.

1959

Never say never.

Congrats on your PB. Here is a very similar picture of a 10-2 that was weighed.

Welcome to BR.