Where Will The Next Missouri State Record Smallmouth Come From?

[Wayne SW/MO]

The lakes in that part of OK were stocked. It might be interesting to know what stock they used. Only the lakes in the far esst section had links to native fish and they were smaller varieties.

[713lefty]

I have had a 6# (or so) smallie blow up on a spook in the Meramac River right next to the canoe. It knocked the spook 4 feet sideways. We estimated it at 24 to 25 inches long and came up with 6 pounds. I watched it come up from the depths and glide up and clobber the spook. I managed to walk the dog right to the blast at the end. It was one of those long deep bluff holes. I have landed many 24 inch largemouth in the last 4 years and i am confident in the length. I would vote on Table Rock or Taneycomo though. Lots of water in TR and lots of depth. The times i have been down there i noticed lots of baitfish.

[moguy1973]

What is the state record by the way?

7lb 1oz

[cullinby9]

I like the trout theory I figured it'd be below the powersite on bull shoals Ive seen a couple down there that fit the build needed to be 8+ pounds. I'd wager to say there is record fish in every lake swimming around the bigger rivers to I've seen a couple 5's on the gasconade that were shaped like a football. Good forage,fertile water = big bass

[Lobsterol]

Weigh it, takes measurements, take a picture - as fast as you can, and have a replica made. Thats what I did with that 21 plus inch monster I caught. It doesn't look exactly the same, but when I see that fish hanging on the wall it serves as a great reminder.

[countryred]

A 7 pound smallie is something special 5 pounders pop up on Bull Shoals and Table Rock. My bet would be a late winter /early spring hawg coming out of Lake of the Ozarks.

[LarrySTL]

I'll take the Mo parts of Bull Shoals. For a 5, yes Table Rock, but maybe its gets too much pressure from really good bass fishermen for a fish to make it to 7 + lbs. Bull to me is similar water, trout to snack on, enormous depths and vastly less excellent quality fishing pressure on bass.

[405z06]

A 7 pound smallie is something special 5 pounders pop up on Bull Shoals and Table Rock. My bet would be a late winter /early spring hawg coming out of Lake of the Ozarks.

What parts of LOZ has smallies?

[tkite]

I have caught one almost 4lbs in Niangua arm. Have also caught them below Warsaw and up in upper gravois

[RSBreth]

Big Smallmouths in the White River chain of lakes are hard to pattern - even with heavy pressure not that many big Smallies are caught - but I do like the Bull Shoals trout-fed monster idea.