[spadebit]

Recently did a trip with a friend to an area I have been looking on google earth at over the last year. Unfortunately, the fishing was tough and our confidence dwindled as the day went on. Luckily, my friend who had never fished for bass locked in on a little nerf ball. He was impressed at how hard the fight was. This was the only fish of the day.

The next day we fished another area and hooked into 8 fish in one spot. None were big, but it was exciting and both of us were taking turns when we landed one. This was a good way to end a trip.

 

[GAT]

Smallmouth are supposed to be a bass but they fight like a trout. If LMB fought like a smallie, we'd never land them!

 

[meh.meh.meh.meh.meh.]

Ah man... that is a beautiful smallie. I went out a couple weeks ago and got nadda. The itch is real. I'll be canoeing some smallie water this weekend so hopefully that's the ticket.

What was your setup?

 

[spadebit]

@SquatchinSince86 echo ion 8 wt. love it. 300 grain line.
my friend just used his 6 wt with a floating line.

@GAT They are strong fish. I wish largemouth did the same!

 

[Olive bugger]

Spadebit, is that fish smoking a cigar?

 

[jersey]

The haunt of the red eye will getcha!

 

[Greg Price]

What is the notch on tail?

Recently did a trip with a friend to an area I have been looking on google earth at over the last year. Unfortunately, the fishing was tough and our confidence dwindled as the day went on. Luckily, my friend who had never fished for bass locked in on a little nerf ball. He was impressed at how hard the fight was. This was the only fish of the day.
View attachment 139621

The next day we fished another area and hooked into 8 fish in one spot. None were big, but it was exciting and both of us were taking turns when we landed one. This was a good way to end a trip.[/QUOT

 

[Jim F.]

I'd guess the Smallie had a close encounter with a predator - an Otter perhaps? There looks to be another small healed-over scar at the bottom of the tail also.