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

[tjm]

Sure and I don't mind if you do,  you can call anything a trophy in conversation, but, you should be aware that any listeners will understand a displayed object.

Common definitions of trophy from the web:

"A trophy is a tangible, durable reminder of a specific achievement, and serves as recognition or evidence of merit."

"a souvenir of an achievement, especially a part of an animal taken when hunting."

"a representation of a memorial of victory; an ornamental group of symbolic objects arranged for display"

Merrium Webster
"Definition of trophy
plural trophies
1 : something gained or given in victory or conquest especially when preserved or mounted as a memorial
2 a : a memorial of an ancient Greek or Roman victory raised on the field of battle or on the nearest land for a naval victory
b : a representation of such a memorial (as on a medal); also : an architectural ornament representing a group of military weapons
3 : a game animal or fish suitable for mounting as a trophy —usually used attributively"

 

[Quillback]

I'll take a picture to record my trophy.  

[MOPanfisher]

I never cared what anyone else thought about my fish, as long as I am happy with it.

[snagged in outlet 3]

Got up at 4:30. Caught a dozen, trophy was a 14” brown fish. 

[jdmidwest]

Tossed back a 2lb 11 oz at Pickwick this weekend, buddy beat me about a hour later by 2 ozs.  Slow weekend, dead summer heat.

Usually we get over a 3 lb r each trip, 4 lbs is a target, and 6 is my trophy plan.  But they eat like pigs on threadfin shads.

[Gavin]

Really have no desire to take pics and keep score anymore. Still keep a hawg trough around  for a quick measure or a snap, but enjoy the trip and my company more than anything else. It's great when you can take a good pic of your buddy with a good one, and good to have your pic taken.

[Terrierman]

30 minutes ago, Gavin said:

Really have no desire to take pics and keep score anymore. Still keep a hawg trough around  for a quick measure or a snap, but enjoy the trip and my company more than anything else. It's great when you can take a good pic of your buddy with a good one, and good to have your pic taken.

It's more fun to fish for fun.  Good action with good friends are my trophies.

[Flysmallie]

Success is in the eye of the beholder. Another 15 incher to me might be the fish of a lifetime to somebody else. 

[Blazerman]

On Ozark streams, I have always considered any smallmouth 15” to 18” a good one. Get a few of those on a trip and you have had a very good day. Anything over 18” is getting to trophy class and 20” and over is a definite trophy for most folks that fish the river occasionally.

There are some who fish Ozark stream all the time (like every day) and these numbers would not apply to them. They catch many fish 15” to 19” and hit the 20” mark a few times a year.

And I have had many days where all I caught were 10” to 15” and thoroughly enjoy the day.  

And all of them were released.

I did have a replica made of my wife's monster (22") from a few years ago and that is now hanging on the wall.

[tjm]

6 hours ago, Blazerman said:

There are some who fish Ozark stream all the time (like every day) and these numbers would not apply to them. They catch many fish 15” to 19” and hit the 20” mark a few times a year.

Couple guys like that fish the local creek here at night and have dozens of pictures of fish in 4# neighborhood, other guys fish days and cover the same water with 15" being the prize.