Today was a day of firsts for me when it comes to catching SMB -

 

-For the first time ever I caught 9 total SMB (ranging from 14" to 17") - I had never caught more than 4 SMB in any one day outing

-Another first was I used one rod and one type of lure (soft plastic bug type lures) to catch all of these fish (I also caught 12 LMB, mostly in the 12" to 14" range) - I typically will use multiple rods and lures/lure types in an outing - but the fish were telling me they wanted bug type lures so I kept throwing them (for many of those lures it was my first time throwing them) !

-I lost two, at the boat, that were bigger than any of the ones I caught - one literally lashed it's head so hard the soft plastic lure flew in one direction, the hook stuck into my hand, and the big brownie winked at me as she splashed back into the water - the second big one I lost was also at the boat and three times dove under the boat -- stupidly on the third dive I gave some slack in the line which she took full advantage of and blazed up and out of the water and threw the hook/lure - of course this happened with the two biggest SMB of the day !! So, I was very close to catching 11, ugh....all I can think about is the two I lost !!

-Which led me to another first - the next one I hooked I was 100% determined not to lose - so I reeled her in fast and, for the first time ever, boat flipped a fish into the boat (17" SMB) - I have been a 100% of the time net user and will most likely continue to do so the vast majority of the time - but after losing those other two at the boat, no way was I not getting that fish into the boat !!

Sounds like a good day!

Nice Work ~

Congrats.

Now go buy a net.

A-Jay

Every once and awhile the stars align and all is right with the world, Congratulations. 

Having a smallmouth come unhooked is part of the game. It’s what they do. 

@A-Jay - Yes Sir, I have a net (Frabill with a rubber net) and use it 99% of the time - the boat flip was the one time (first time) I did not use it - I am an avid net user and will continue to do so !! I am looking to hone my skills and perhaps, someday, catch a 5lb/20 inch (or larger) SMB like you have - that will probably mean traveling a bit - yet I need to build my confidence and skills first. Thank you for setting a high bar/standard in both your fishing and fitness !

@WaskaCrank12, you could travel here and catch plenty of 20” SMB…… but they will be 3.5 lbs 

Good job!

Well done! For your next first, try tying on double flukes and go for two at once!

Sounds like it was a great day.