This little ~2.5" fish hit a 4" wacky rigged green pumpkin senko.  Its mouth was not nearly large enough to engulf the hook, but this persistent fish hung onto the stick bait.  When it gets larger, I'm sure it will be a fierce fighter!

I wish you could release him unharmed, coz he deserve it ?

I returned it to the lake right after I snapped the photo and it swam away just fine.

He’s got some good girth.  Probably weighs up more than you think. ?

Hungry little fella ? 

Future ten pounder!

I started a "Personal Worst" thread here once.

 

Caught a 4 incher on a popper. Was so cute. I heard this tiny little "ploink" sound, was that a fish? Nah.... and reeled the little guy in.

 

It happens with Ned rigs and tiny smallmouth pretty often. They grab the tail and their little sandpaper teeth get stuck to that squishy tail and they can't let go. Usually they get lifted into the boat and then fall off pretty quickly when their weight and flopping is added in. 

Its a giant!

Around here that would be considered an above average catch.