Clarification Wanted; Bass Size

[Bassmaster21]

I know that bass(largemouth to be particular) grow to much bigger sized in states such as florida, texas, alabama, etc, than they do in northern states like Minnesota. But I was looking for some clarification on to what is a trophy in the north and south compared to hear in MO. I would say a trophy in MO is anything bigger than 7lbs. I ask mainly because I caught a 6lb largemouth in Minnesota recently and thought not that much of it but everyone I talk to says that is a monster for up there. Just would kind of like to know for when I go back, or if i ever go down south(i dont want to look like a fool for getting excited over a 5 pounder in FL if thats not big, ya know?)

[Stoneroller]

double digits tends to be the benchmark with florida/mexican strain largemouth from what I've seen. 10lbs would be the number you are looking for.

[Al Agnew]

In good northern bass water, five pounders are reasonably common, but not many get much bigger than that. I'd say six pounds is about equal to an eight pounder here in MO, and a ten pounder in Texas or Florida.

[moguy1973]

I think if you go by about half, give or take, of what the state record is in the state you are fishing, that's pretty much considered a trophy and really something worth mentioning.

[Muddler4]

Most states through their respective conservation department, DNR, etc have a master angler program. If we assume that a fair amount of thought went into determining a qualifying fish by each state's department, that would be a decent bench mark (certainly debatable, lots of variables). But taken at face value, for Largemouth in MN it is 21", 5lb, 7oz. For MO it is 22", 6lb. To some people "trophy" has to be much bigger though. Also consider that on private water managed for big fish 6lbs may be expected on any given day or just ok, while on public water it may be better than ok.

[kirbydog]

Live in CO and any largemouth bass over 5 lbs is a "good" one and anything over 7 is considered a trophy. The state record is just shy of 11 lbs.

I fish TX alot and anything 5- 10 lbs is considered a decent fish but a bass needs to be over 10 before its in the trophy category.

I think its easier to get a 10+ lb bass in TX than one over 7 in CO. Alot of that has to do with C&R, practiced by most fishermen in TX, not as widely practiced in CO.

Still, alot of guys are surprised to learn we have some pretty decent bass fishing here in CO, especially for spots and smallies. A spot or smallie over 5 lbs puts you in the trophy class.

[Bassmaster21]

Yeah the MN one I caught was 21 inches and we didnt have an accurate scale on us but I would say around 5-5.5lbs. The state record largemouth in MN is 8lbs 14oz or something close to that. (may be off a few oz). I have caught a couple here in MO 21-23 inches but nothing over 6lbs so not quite there yet on my trophy scale. Thanks for all of the replies. Lots of solid information.