Ruining My Reputation

[papaperch]

Finally have been able to get a few trips underneath my belt so to speak.

Bu out of approximately 50 fish caught so far 40 of them have been like this guy. Biggest so far 20 inch smallest 10 inch but vast majority have been 12 - 14 inchers.

Have reputation of being a large panfish specialist. But biggest panfish ( perch ) so far has only been 6 inches. These smallies are abundant this year in Milton. It has always been a good smally lake but this year population seems to have exploded.

They are fun to catch but so far my freezer remains bare.

 

[Bucko]

I tell ya a secret.... I'm still a bass guy at heart. this late spring is really cramping my crappie time. usually I have a trip under my belt and fish in the freezer by now. perch are just starting to run here a little. 3 weeks behind.

 

[Hawnjigs]

Nice fish, but boy she looks like she had a stressful life.

Maybe you can change your handle to "PapaSmallie".

 

[toadfrog]

X2 yeah what he said .

 

[plateboater]

At least you are getting your line a little stretch.

 

[StumpHunter]

Catching the smallmouths would be fun!

 

[JUNGLEJIM1]

I love smallies. If 80% of my fish were smallies I'd have a huge smile on my face. I haven't caught one yet this year but I'm still in the panfish mode.

 

[hookup]

20" smallies a nice fish. Nothing to sneeze at. Your reputation stands in my book.

 

[Jig Man]

Once you get the smell on your line its hard to get it off... Not many smallies in my country, heck not much water either. Enjoy the battle, they are fun!

 

[AtticaFish]

They sure are fun, even more of a challenge guessing that you have been using your ultralight panfish gear. 20" is heck of a football!

I have caught 2 SMB's in a local reservoir while i was chasing crappie with light gear already this year, but not focused on them yet. Trying to restock my fridge with panfish as well.

 

[papaperch]

Russ- pretty good guess. I use ultra light stuff all the time. Started using the ultra lights about 30 years ago and now even my baitcasters are lightweight stuff. Just seems to maximize the fun. Has cost me some big fish over the years but the enjoyment has far outdistanced any of that.