new PB Smallmouth Bass Raritan River

[thmyorke1]

I was fishing lower main stem this evening and hooked up on a fish on a weightless fluke. Felt good. Sadly it soon comes off....

Immediately after, right after popping off, I get nailed again. Maybe the same fish? Or a fish following the previous one and took the bait? Either way, I see this fish's fins out of the water. Massive body, and I was first thinking it was a pike until I see it flop out of the water. Came back down like a carp lol, splash!. The fight was astonishing and it just kept on working itself side to side, pulling.

Finally get my thumb in it's mouth. Taped it out just over 21 inches. Pics came out crap as always with my one handed measuring tape. Video I took of it might help show. Definitely bigger than my last 20 incher.

Fatter, meaner, and just full of raritan goodness.
Sorry that I had no net, had to lay it in dirt.







https://media.giphy.com/media/Ifguex...aBb6/giphy.mp4

Oh yea and I caught this dink earlier in the evening.

[JDTuna]

What a tank! Congrats man. Hope you submit it for Skillful Angler!

[Sako1]

Nice fish, congratulations! Must have been an awesome fight.

Dave

[thmyorke1]

Originally Posted by JDTuna

What a tank! Congrats man. Hope you submit it for Skillful Angler!

Thanks

I did submit an application. However they can be picky and deny it as i did a poor job measuring with the camera in the other hand, and shaking from adrenaline lol. Hard to get the tape straight and parallel with the fish. They denied my last two applications because the measuring tape was too tiny.

[Jigman13]

Originally Posted by thmyorke1

Thanks

I did submit an application. However they can be picky and deny it as i did a poor job measuring with the camera in the other hand, and shaking from adrenaline lol. Hard to get the tape straight and parallel with the fish. They denied my last two applications because the measuring tape was too tiny.

Lol gotta calm the adrenaline. Shore based measurement is an art! Get a fat max tape with a good locking function. Huge numbers, wide ruler and durable.

[Lard Almighty]

That is a PIG of a smallmouth! Congrats on the PB. There are bigger ones in that river, and they will start feeding in earnest soon. Can't wait to see your pics of a 6-pounder!

[AndyS]

Congrats on yet another new PB from the RR !!

[thmyorke1]

Originally Posted by Jigman13

Lol gotta calm the adrenaline. Shore based measurement is an art! Get a fat max tape with a good locking function. Huge numbers, wide ruler and durable.

Im considering a bump board, but id have to find a way to carry it in my vest. Anyone recommend a folding one?

[MasiJC]

Congrats in the new PB !
Awesome looking fish !

[FASTEDDIE29]

That’s a beauty of a river Smallie! Congrats homie!