Just not the kind I was looking for. Still one heck of a fight  out of this guy. Sorry for the crappy pic he was still pretty feisty flopping around and got covered in dirt. 

I really thought I was into a pretty big bass before I got to see it. 

What is it?

It’s a pickerel covered in dirt. I didn’t want to rinse it and try for another pick. 

Coated nicely - just stick him in the deep fryer!

I didn't realize people weighed those things regularly.  I have only weighed one that was citation size here in VA. so I guess he is my PB as well lol

Nice fish though and they are fun to catch when nothing else wants to cooperate.  I had one of my most memorable days in 45 degree water where they were hitting something on top and i caught probably 20 in a few hours, counting the fish i caught more than once, which were quite a few.

This was the first one I’ve ever weighed. Only because it was the biggest one I’ve ever seen. I don’t mind catching them they fight like hell.