What's considered a big smallmouth vs. a trophy in Missouri?

[Dutch]

2 hours ago, Smallmouthmama said:

That makes sense! And wow, a fiver would be amazing... would you say there's a difference between lake smallie and river smallie? Or no?

I have no idea.  All of the that I have caught out of streams have been in Flat Creek and James River when I used to float fish and that was before I bought my first glitter sled.

[MOPanfisher]

Oddly enough I have never been caught up in the pounds/ounces of whether or not a fish was big, and especially not if it is a trophy.  Smallmouth that I catch that make me think wow that's a good-un are "big fish", ones that I caught with a good friend, during specials times, or some that I only hooked and lost after seeing them smash a lure, jump high early in the morning while camp gear is still waiting to be packed up, etc.  Those are trophies.  Hell those pics of well marked smallies others post even give me a thrill.

[Al Agnew]

A 20 incher is a very special fish from any Ozark stream. Over 21 and you’re getting into once or a few times in a lifetime that you get one that size. I’ve averaged about 1 over 20 for every 100 hours or 10 trips on good water over the years. Have maybe caught about 8 or 9 over 21, one over 22, in 55 years of Ozark river fishing. 

[fishinwrench]

I have only had one over 20" and to be honest I was kinda disappointed in her, she didn't jump or do anything cool, just swam around in circles until I wore her down.   I truly love the 15-18 inchers, they really put on a show!  

[MOPanfisher]

14 hours ago, fishinwrench said:

   I truly love the 15-18 inchers, they really put on a show!  

Amen!

[Quillback]

Based on my local lake fishing experience, a smallmouth over 19" is a quality fish, and I'd put a trophy at any over 5lbs.  Over 6 lbs. would be an exceptional fish.  

[liphunter]

I have a little different perspective on what a trophy would be. I loosely base it the experience and capability of the fisherman. Take me for example. If it is to big to fit in that little box the lure came in. Well there will be picture taking and trash talking!!! 

[fishinwrench]

34 minutes ago, liphunter said:

I have a little different perspective on what a trophy would be. I loosely base it the experience and capability of the fisherman. Take me for example. If it is to big to fit in that little box the lure came in. Well there will be picture taking and trash talking!!! 

I like that!  

Since I strictly flyfish for Smallies any fish that takes me to the reel makes my day.    When your buddies stop fishing to watch the fight, then start grabbing nets and cheering you on......Trophy!

But, the word "trophy" almost implys that it's headed to the taxidermist.  I prefer a decent photo. 😊

[tjm]

45 minutes ago, fishinwrench said:

the word "trophy" almost implys that it's headed to the taxidermist.

That is why I said this;

On 8/11/2018 at 3:11 AM, tjm said:

None of them are trophy size

Trophies should be reserved for ball sports and Olympic games. I don't even take pictures of my fish, usually don't take them out of the water unless to eat and sardines are $1 a can and ready to eat so I don't scale many fish.

[Quillback]

I can call a fish a "trophy" and not feel obligated to get it stuffed.  😄