The only thing I've never understood is that we, the Ozarks, are stuck in the middle between the huge smallmouth of the Tennessee river chain, and the huge Northern strain. Granted we don't have the longer growing season as the southern fish, but come on, we should have a longer growing season than the Northern ones. But I know the answer is these fish are "perfect" for this habitat. But I sure as heck would love to sneak some other strains in our rivers!