Personal biggest largemouth before and after the fish kill?

[edyer]

I have been coming down to Table Rock almost every Spring Break since 1980. I think it was in 84 that I caught a 8-2(jig after dark), and two others in our group caught a 7-15 and a 7-8 that week(both on spinner baits). Big bass for our week would usually be over 6 pounds until the LMB virus. Then we had a few years when we caught nothing bigger than 3-4 pounds. In the last 6-7 years, we had a 7-3(Spinner bait at night) and a 7.89(A Rig). Hope we can catch some big ones this spring:) In the early 80's we would catch some very nice spots in the 3-3.5 range with a few pushing close to 4 pounds.We don't see those very often any more. We do see a lot more smallmouths than we used to, especially in the Aunts Creek area.

[hellbender.50]

Does anybody remember the lunker board at Cambell PT marina. Any bass over 8lbs received a nice pin and name on the board.

[Jim Elam]

Pre-kill LM 7.2 lb T rig James arm at night (1985)

Long hiatus away from fishing TR after about 1989 until 2011 or so...

Started fishing the lake regularly again a few years ago and my best LM since then 5 lb on WW.  In all fairness, I spend WAY too much time playing around with that darn varmint these days to really give bigger bass a fair shake.  Yes, it can catch bigger fish (have landed a few 19-20 " fish on the thing), but it is really a numbers game.  

I sure catch lots more SM these days than before, and not nearly as many Ks over 16" or so. But I'm not very good at deep water fishing.  Need to set up a guide trip with Bill Babler sometime again to learn more about that game.

I have to say that I really enjoy the finesse style fishing a lot.  The increased catch rate with split shot rigging, Varmint, shakey head, etc  is worth missing bigger fish opportunities in my opinion.  I'm not trying to win money or show up anyone.  Just having fun enjoying this amazing lake and reliving some childhood memories there.    

Jim