9 lb Smallmouth??

[Drewgill]

I received this picture yesterday of a reported 9 lb smallmouth that was caught by an angler on Laurel River Lake, KY.

You can be the judge. The picture had probably been making its rounds before I received it, and I'm sure the story behind it is pure fiction by now. It may have even grown a pound or two before it got to me...

Nothing really makes sense about the picture. It looks like the fish may have been netted (judging by the torn up fins), but I'm not sure why the Forest Service would be collecting fish on Laurel River. Maybe she was tagging along with KDFWR? Maybe she actually caught it...while wearing her uniform and hip boots?? Regardless, it's a big fish that I though you guys would appreciate.

Maybe we have a local on here that can shed some light.

(I did the distorting.)

[BigYaker]

I don't know about 9lbs....


Here is one that weighed 8lbs

[jfrancho]

That fish up top looks like a dead 5 pounder held out to the camera for some wild perspective.

The second video is legit.

[Drewgill]

That fish up top looks like a dead 5 pounder held out to the camera for some wild perspective.

I think it may be a little bigger than five, but you're probably on the right track.

[vakayakangler]

Sweet, I love smallies.

[jfrancho]

That fish up top looks like a dead 5 pounder held out to the camera for some wild perspective.

I think it may be a little bigger than five, but you're probably on the right track.

Maybe, why else would they take a pic of a dead fish, if it wasn't huge to them.

BUT, this fish is only 4.95:



This was 3.75:



and this was 5.75:



Cameras can be the biggest liar, LOL.

[inrll]

I haven't heard anything but I don't know anybody that fishes there regularly.

I would think that it was probably shocked up judging by the uniform and torn up tail. It's no 9 pounder though. I would guess 6lbs and thats stretching it. Here's a 5.5 pounder I caught held way out. I'm short (likely the woman is too) so it makes the fish look bigger than it is.

[Drewgill]

Yeah, I think comparing pictures is kind of pointless. Like you guys said, perspective plays a big role in perceived size.

I was thinking it was gill-netted at first (shocking the fish shouldn’t have beat it up so badly), but now that Francho mentioned ‘dead’, that glazed-over eye looks pretty suspicious.

Maybe it’s dead because they stuffed it full of lead, and it really does weigh 9 lbs…

Edit: JFrancho, you're right, your 3.75 looks like the biggest one to me.

[n2bassfishing]

Not sure if that is a nine pounder either. The fish could be blind in one eye and could have been alive. The dorsal fin wouldn't be standing out if it was dead, I wouldn't think.

[HookUp]

Guy's DNR & looks to be working a shock boat for surveying.

Also, the arms are extended.

But hey, if the guy want's to believe it's 9#, sure, why not.


Nice fish though.