Rich K

Thanks for keeping it real guys! I really appreciate all of the feedback. I am still on the quest for a 5lb+ smallie!

Thanks for the kind words! This is my PB SM. I caught a largie at 20.5" and 14.25" girth - that weighed in at 5lbs 14 oz. That is my PB. Big fish for Northern Illinois. I could see how you might think the fish is shorter than 20", but we know the length was 20" - For a frame of reference, I am not a small guy - 6' - 230 lbs with broad shoulders. I do a lot of shore fishing and have measured from my fingertips to the inside crease of my left elbow and that is 18" - this fish was 19.5 - 20"...

I caught this one last Saturday night in SW Michigan. This is my first large smallie. We were poorly prepared to catch anything of this size and had no scale and/or tape measure with us. My father-in-law was with me and is a carpenter by trade (knows his measurements) - He guesses this fish would have been 5 lbs, but you know how they always look bigger when you first catch them (adrenaline, etc...). We both agreed that this is a 20" fish, but I would like some of you guys who have caught bigger ones to share what your guess would be of the weight of this one. Thanks for your input! Rich

Hey Husky - Do you mind sharing the contact info for the guy that did your mount? I am interested in placing an order. Thanks, Rich