Luck on my side

[mreed81]

I took my new canoe out for the second time today. Put in about 6:30 and upon arriving I could tell that the water was fishable, but definitely higher and murkier than usual which would possibly make things more difficult. Figured it's a better day on the water compared to doing normal routine stuff around the house and if I could catch any fish, that would be a bonus.

The day started out slow, and caught a few small bass within the first two hours. After taking a short mid morning meal break I found some good looking water for a stretch of about 50 yards. Pulled the canoe to the side and started wade fishing back up the stream. This is why the title of post includes the word "luck". I got snagged a couple casts earlier and on another cast my rod jerked to the point it felt like a drifting log took my lure down stream! Below are pics of what I caught. Definitely the largest Smallmouth I have ever caught or thought I would ever catch, which you can probably tell judging by the ear to ear grin on my face. Didn't have anything to measure with but I am confident it was a solid 18", possibly more. It put up one heck of a fight.

Thank you to all you like-minded catch and release Smallmouth fisherman that have probably released this fish multiple times! This is the kind of fish that thrives in our streams when we respect them!

 

 

 

 

[drew03cmc]

Hell of a nice fish!

[Gavin]

Nice catch! Good for you!

[Danimal]

Nice football!!

 

[carptracker]

See why the hard fight....he is a fat boy.  Nice catch!

 

[joeD]

Nice fish. One doesn't get lucky sitting on the sidelines. 

[go4ducks2]

What a pig!   Very nice smallie!

[Smalliebigs]

Nice fatty man!!!! Congrats on your PB smallie

[Stein]

Very nice!

[mreed81]

All, thanks for the compliments. It sure was an unexpected surprise to catch one like this considering I haven't ever spent much time fishing for Smallies . I still have a lot to learn and I'm really glad I made the canoe purchase to explore more water. This wouldn't have been possible without it.  

And man, now I know why all you guys say that Smallmouth have the most fight pound for pound in the Ozarks. They fight forever, run like a trout, but also pull like a freakin' ox!