New Personal Best Smallmouth Bass ~ Video(s) Added 2024
A-Jay reply :
Headed north on the interstate at zero dark thirty this morning. Got on the water at daylight and made it up to my ‘spot’ just before sunrise. It was a calm & unseasonably warm morning with air temps in the high 50’s and water temps in the low 60’s. Started out working a flat that has an inlet dumping out onto it. The water was back to its usual clarity (super clear) and the bass were already chasing bait when I arrived. With plenty of neck turning swirls all over the place, expectations were high . . . . . . . .
My first two presentations were both topwater (a walking bait & a twin fluke rig). I had the twin GoPro’s mounted and at the ready, hoping to capture some early morning topwater action. I was only casting into 4 or 5 feet, so it’s not like they weren’t seeing it. Well, these baits drew zero interest. I was unhappy as I fully expected one or both baits to get hammered. Didn’t happen.
After about 20 minutes of unsuccessfully trying to force feed the bass, a little breeze came up along with some cloud cover. By the looks of the sky the clouds weren’t going to last too long. So I aborted the topwater and headed up wind of what I though was the prime area. Busted out a spinnerbait & went to work. I got a strike right away but I blew the hookset and was left with a torn trailer. Replaced and went back to launching that bait for all I was worth. After about 10 minutes, I had a nice rhythm going; bomb a cast, burning back – bomb a cast, burning it back – you get the idea . . . . ..
Then, made a cast, turned the Calcutta 200D handle about 5 turns and the bait just stopped. I put the boots to her and there was that familiar feeling – the one where I kind of know it's a big fish but so often in these waters, the ‘big fish’ have big teeth. So I say out loud “hope it’s a bass” – but not actually believing that the chances are very good that it is. It’s pulling pretty good but it doesn’t jump – not helping my cause. Pulls some drag – then I get a glimpse – Holy Smokes, it looks like a bass – Holy Smokes – It Is A Bass and it’s BIG ! Turned on the Gopro’s in time to catch the end of the battle & the net job which went pretty easily thankfully.
Once I lifted her up out of the drink and laid the net bag on the deck – I was Blown Away – This bass was Crazy FAT ! Put her right in the live well, took a minute to compose myself (insert go completely nuts off camera) and then weighed her – came up 7.29 lbs - twice. Totally Insane. Oh and blind in one eye.
I didn’t measure her length or get a girth (I wished I had) before I released her. But she was stressing in the live well and I definitely wanted this one to swim away. SO as quickly as she came – she was free . . .I may never catch a heavier smallie - but I'm good with that.
Here’s a pic of the bass, the bait she ate & the release – the video (which is insane) is loading & I’ll post it here once it’s done.
12poundbass reply :
Awesome! Congrats, what a giant. That thing doesn't even look real. Your hard work has paid off for sure.
One thing I noticed....no trailer hook eh?
Those your new bibs? You might not want to take them off. Lol
A-Jay reply :
On 9/13/2017 at 6:36 AM, 12poundbass said:Awesome! Congrats, what a giant. That thing doesn't even look real. Your hard work has paid off for sure.
One thing I noticed....no trailer hook eh?
Thanks ~
Nope, no trailer. These smallies are choking these baits and the trailer just get's in the way.
A-Jay
Bassin' Brad reply :
That's insane! Looks like a basketball with a tail and a head! Cool post, can't wait for the video!
MichaelCopeland reply :
She's a fat momma! Looking forward to seeing the video. Congratulations on a new SMB PB! ?
shimmy reply :
Well done A-Jay. These types of posts don't come often. That fish is an absolute giant. Did you catch him in your home state?
Clearing that 7 lb mark is just unreal. Congratulations
A-Jay reply :
On 9/13/2017 at 6:51 AM, shimmy said:Well done A-Jay. These types of posts don't come often. That fish is an absolute giant. Did you catch him in your home state?
Clearing that 7 lb mark is just unreal. Congratulations
Thank you my friend ~
And Yes, she's a Pure Michigan Fatty !
A-Jay
Jar11591 reply :
Are you serious?! That is one incredible smallmouth!
long island basser reply :
Beauty. Congrats!
A-Jay reply :
On 9/13/2017 at 7:48 AM, Jar11591 said:Are you serious?! That is one incredible smallmouth!
I kept asking myself the same thing ~
Can't wait until the video's load up. (it's taking forever)
The pictures are one thing but video really shows just how fat and almost deformed this bass was.
It's nothing I've ever seen before ~ but I like it.
A-Jay
12poundbass reply :
I hope this doesn't burn a bridge with you, by reading your post a couple times you saif, "headed north on the interstate at zero dark thirty, reached the lake at dawn" you were on lake Menderchuck....?
Fishin' Fool reply :
Stupid big fish!
Turtle135 reply :
hate to break it to you A-Jay, that is not a bass that is a.....
Congrats!
Senko lover reply :
Like I said over in the other thread, that's one hell of a fish man. You certainly have put in the work in that Lund!
A-Jay reply :
On 9/13/2017 at 8:22 AM, 12poundbass said:I hope this doesn't burn a bridge with you, by reading your post a couple times you saif, "headed north on the interstate at zero dark thirty, reached the lake at dawn" you were on lake Menderchuck....?
I'm ALWAYS on Lake Menderchuck ~
Always.
A-Jay
Russ E reply :
On 9/13/2017 at 6:21 AM, A-Jay said:
Headed north on the interstate at zero dark thirty this morning. Got on the water at daylight and made it up to my ‘spot’ just before sunrise. It was a calm & unseasonably warm morning with air temps in the high 50’s and water temps in the low 60’s. Started out working a flat that has an inlet dumping out onto it. The water was back to its usual clarity (super clear) and the bass were already chasing bait when I arrived. With plenty of neck turning swirls all over the place, expectations were high . . . . . . . .
My first two presentations were both topwater (a walking bait & a twin fluke rig). I had the twin GoPro’s mounted and at the ready, hoping to capture some early morning topwater action. I was only casting into 4 or 5 feet, so it’s not like they weren’t seeing it. Well, these baits drew zero interest. I was unhappy as I full expected one or both baits to get hammered. Didn’t happen.
After about 20 minutes of unsuccessfully trying to force feed the bass, a little breeze came up along with some cloud cover. By the looks of the sky the clouds weren’t going to last too long. So I aborted the topwater and headed up wind of what I though was the prime area. Busted out a spinnerbait & went to work. I got a strike right away but I blew the hookset and was left with a torn trailer. Replaced and went back to launching that bait for all I was worth. After about 10 minutes, I had a nice rhythm going; bomb a cast, burning back – bomb a cast, burning it back – you get the idea . . . . ..
Then, made a cast turned the Calcutta 200D handle about 5 turns and the bait just stopped. I put the boots to her and there was that familiar feeling – the one where I kind of know it a big fish but so often in these waters, the ‘big fish’ have big teeth. So I say out loud “hope it’s a bass” – but not actually believing that the chances are very good that it is. It’s pulling pretty good but it doesn’t jump – not helping my cause. Pulls some drag – then I get a glimpse – Holy Smokes, it looks like a bass – Holy Smokes – It Is A Bass and it’s BIG ! Turned on the Gopro’s in time to catch the end of the battle & the net job which went pretty easily thankfully.
Once I lifted her up out of the drink and laid the net bag on the deck – I was Blown Away – This bass was Crazy FAT ! Put her right in the live well, took a minute to compose myself (insert go completely nuts off camera) and then weighed her – came up 7.29 lbs - twice. Totally Insane. Oh and blind in one eye.
I didn’t measure her length or get a girth (I wished I had) before I released her. But she was stressing in the live well and I definitely wanted this one to swim away. SO as quickly as she came – she was free . . .I may never catch a heavier smallie - but I'm good with that.
Here’s a pic of the bass & the bait she ate – video (which is insane) is loading & I’ll post it here once it’s done.
A-Jay
wonder what that fish will look like in the spring when it is full of eggs?
A-Jay reply :
On 9/13/2017 at 9:20 AM, Weedwhacker said:wonder what that fish will look like in the spring when it is full of eggs?
I don't think there's any rooms for eggs !
A-Jay
NHBull reply :
Just Awesome, thanks for sharing.....
Russ E reply :
On 9/13/2017 at 9:22 AM, A-Jay said:I don't think these any rooms for eggs !
A-Jay
congratulations. Most of us will only dream of catching a smallie like that.
Dtrombly reply :
Wow! Congrats!
Attila reply :
Said it before and I'll say it again...dude, that is one tank of a fish!
brgbassmaster reply :
Monster Dude! Fall bite starting? I'll be on.my way to mi Friday can't wait! Get the video up!!!
Bluebasser86 reply :
Almost half a pound bigger than our state record 
Congrats A-jay, you've certainly earned that fish.
Turkey sandwich reply :
That's the first smallmouth I've ever seen lose an eye to diabetes.
MTPanda reply :
OMG what a fatty you scored there A-Jay!!!! Congrats man! I want to catch a smallie one of these days! Can't wait to see the video!!!
Catt reply :
Photoshoped!
Your spinnerbait is bigger than the fish ?
Swbass15 reply :
Congrats again, great write up too. Just wondering how close that girl is to your state record there? Surely you were close to it
A-Jay reply :
Just added the a video to the original post
Enjoy the blubber . . .
A-Jay
12poundbass reply :
On 9/13/2017 at 7:00 PM, Swbass15 said:Congrats again, great write up too. Just wondering how close that girl is to your state record there? Surely you were close to it
9.32lbs is our state record. Just caught a few years back.
Swbass15 reply :
On 9/13/2017 at 7:43 PM, 12poundbass said:9.32lbs is our state record. Just caught a few years back.
That's amazing you guys are extremely lucky up there with the quality and number of the bronze backs!
Awesome video, amazing fish congrats @A-Jay
12poundbass reply :
Awesome video, awesome reaction. I think you have some new lucky bibs!
senile1 reply :
That is a SMALLMOUTH!!!!!!!!!!!! Congratulations on the PB and one heck of a beautiful fish. I wonder if she will top 8 lbs by the spawn?
senile1 reply :
On 9/13/2017 at 1:55 PM, Bluebasser86 said:Almost half a pound bigger than our state record
Congrats A-jay, you've certainly earned that fish.
A 7.29 is 7 lb 4.64 oz. That is 2.6 oz bigger than the Missouri record as well!
NYWayfarer reply :
Grats on the PB A-Jay! That Smallie is a beast!
mattkenzer reply :
Congrats A-Jay .... My understanding of a "Football Shaped" smallmouth has taken on a hole new meaning.
She is an absolute beauty .... Well done!
Lucky Craft Man reply :
A-Jay,
Congratulations!! That fish is UNBELIEVIBLE!! I have to admit, I don't' know if I would have had the guts to turn on those cameras while fighting that fish (though, I am glad you did, as I enjoyed watching that). My luck, I would have turned to put a camera on and the fish would have wrapped me up in the trolling motor or something.
Again, great looking fish!! Are you considering a replica?
A-Jay reply :
On 9/13/2017 at 10:16 PM, Lucky Craft Man said:A-Jay,
Congratulations!! That fish is UNBELIEVIBLE!! I have to admit, I don't' know if I would have had the guts to turn on those cameras while fighting that fish (though, I am glad you did, as I enjoyed watching that). My luck, I would have turned to put a camera on and the fish would have wrapped me up in the trolling motor or something.
Again, great looking fish!! Are you considering a replica?
Thank you my friend ~
Not a replica guy. I have been doing digital canvas wall hanging deal since my first DD LMB a few years back.
The four I have (above) are 24 x 24. Made from a pic sent to the creator - they're pretty sweet, last a life time & are about 1/4 the $$ of any type of mount.
Check out https://www.facebook.com/pg/TheAntzlProject/photos/?ref=page_internal
The creator & owner is Kevin Ashburn. (Friend of my wife's) Straight shooter & easy to work with - and the man has mad skills. I've sent them as gifts and even made some up of a few of our dogs.
A-Jay
12poundbass reply :
On 9/14/2017 at 3:37 AM, A-Jay said:Thank you my friend ~
Not a replica guy. I have been doing digital canvas wall hanging deal since my first DD LMB a few years back.
The four I have (above) are 24 x 24. Made from a pic sent to the creator - they're pretty sweet, last a life time & are about 1/4 the $$ of any type of mount.
Check out https://www.facebook.com/pg/TheAntzlProject/photos/?ref=page_internal
The creator & owner is Kevin Ashburn. (Friend of my wife's) Straight shooter & easy to work with - and the man has mad skills. I've sent them as gifts and even made some up of a few of our dogs.
Here's the most recent ~
I see my first SMB Getting done up soon . . . .
A-Jay
Those are pretty cool. I'll have to keep that in mind if the 6lb lmb or 5 smb ever come my way.
A-Jay reply :
On 9/14/2017 at 3:45 AM, 12poundbass said:Those are pretty cool. I'll have to keep that in mind if the 6lb lmb or 5 smb ever come my way.
It's only a matter of time for you my friend , only a matter of time.
A-Jay
Darren. reply :
Congrats, bud. She's a SOW!
J Francho reply :
Wow! Awesome fish!
A-Jay reply :
On 9/14/2017 at 4:10 AM, Darren. said:Congrats, bud. She's a SOW!
On 9/14/2017 at 4:14 AM, J Francho said:Wow! Awesome fish!
Thanks guys ~ I appreciate it.
I'm probably going back up there Friday again morning.
Clearly, I can't expect to duplicate this effort -
But I'll still be heaving that spinnerbait around like a wild man - for the first two hours or so anyway . . . . .
A-Jay
Bankbeater reply :
The gut on that smallie! Good going!
Lucky Craft Man reply :
On 9/14/2017 at 3:37 AM, A-Jay said:Thank you my friend ~
Not a replica guy. I have been doing digital canvas wall hanging deal since my first DD LMB a few years back.
The four I have (above) are 24 x 24. Made from a pic sent to the creator - they're pretty sweet, last a life time & are about 1/4 the $$ of any type of mount.
Check out https://www.facebook.com/pg/TheAntzlProject/photos/?ref=page_internal
The creator & owner is Kevin Ashburn. (Friend of my wife's) Straight shooter & easy to work with - and the man has mad skills. I've sent them as gifts and even made some up of a few of our dogs.
Here's the most recent ~
I see my first SMB Getting done up soon . . . .
A-Jay
You know, this is a really good idea! Even though I have had a few replica's made, I have the picture of the actual fish hanging right next to them and at times I catch myself looking at the picture more than the replica, reliving the moment.
A-Jay reply :
On 9/14/2017 at 5:52 AM, Lucky Craft Man said:
You know, this is a really good idea! Even though I have had a few replica's made, I have the picture of the actual fish hanging right next to them and at times I catch myself looking at the picture more than the replica, reliving the moment.
Well, I'm big fan of his work and will most whole heartily recommend them.
A-Jay
J Francho reply :
On 9/14/2017 at 4:45 AM, A-Jay said:
Thanks guys ~ I appreciate it.
I'm probably going back up there Friday again morning.
Clearly, I can't expect to duplicate this effort -
But I'll still be heaving that spinnerbait around like a wild man - for the first two ours or so anyway . . . . .
A-Jay
I just love a smallie spinnerbait bite. The only thing close to it is casting spoons for browns. They hit like a freight train.
A-Jay reply :
On 9/14/2017 at 8:44 PM, J Francho said:I just love a smallie spinnerbait bite. The only thing close to it is casting spoons for browns. They hit like a freight train.
They sure do J ~ and that's why I never use a trailer hook on this deal.
And though I've never had the pleasure of the browns on a spoon bite - but I'm betting it's seriously vicious.
A-Jay
NYWayfarer reply :
I watched the vid last night when I got home. "Holy Smokes!" You were calm even though I can tell you were excited. I would have been going Ike Iaconelli crazy if I caught that BEAST!
Such a beautiful fish and a survivor as well. To get that fat while being blind in one eye you know that is one special fish.
A-Jay reply :
On 9/14/2017 at 9:44 PM, NYWayfarer said:I watched the vid last night when I got home. "Holy Smokes!" You were calm even though I can tell you were excited. I would have been going Ike Iaconelli crazy if I caught that BEAST!
Such a beautiful fish and a survivor as well. To get that fat while being blind in one eye you know that is one special fish.
Thank you ~
And I'm right there with you as to how special this fish is.
Which is why ensuring a heathy release was very important to me.
It always is, but it was especially true in this case.
All indications were, that she had managed to recover well and swam off strong.
A-Jay
Hurricane reply :
That is amazing man... Holy crap.. What brand Spinnerbait are you using?
A-Jay reply :
On 9/15/2017 at 1:33 AM, Chris. said:That is amazing man... Holy crap.. What brand Spinnerbait are you using?
Thanks ~ I've been fishing two baits with success - A Biovex & a Megastrike
Bass fishing is best reply :
That's insane. Good job on the Holy Smokes, my wording would have been a bit different and was different just watching that.
Interesting that it had only 1 eye. I've caught a few 1 eyed fish this year and wondered how they would fare. This one answers that question.
Congratulations, this one is going to be hard to beat but I'm sure you're already trying.
UPSmallie reply :
Incredible! Replica Mount maybe? Great Work
A-Jay reply :
On 9/15/2017 at 3:25 AM, UPSmallie said:Incredible! Replica Mount maybe? Great Work
Thanks ~ Not really a replica guy ~ but check this out . .
A-Jay
WIGuide reply :
Congrats on the insane fish!!
abhgroup reply :
So will I see your picture on the trophy page of Woods and Water News" next month?
Nice fish!
stk44 reply :
Great fish! Congrats.
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