When Should You Mount That Trophy Bass? A Complete Guide

Trophy bass might be lifetime achievements for anglers, however deciding which fish deserves a everlasting place in your wall isn’t all the time simple.

As somebody who as soon as made the pricey mistake of mounting a bass too rapidly, I’ve developed a strategic strategy that can assist you keep away from bass mounting remorse.

Ten years in the past, whereas flipping a jig round flooded timber in a small neighborhood pond, I skilled that unforgettable “thunk” second when a 6-pound largemouth took my bait.

With adrenaline pumping, I rushed straight to the taxidermist with no second thought, spending $400 to immortalize my catch.

Years later, after touchdown greater bass, together with a 9-pounder in Florida, my once-prized mount ended up amassing mud within the storage. That costly lesson taught me to be extra strategic about which fish actually should be immortalized.

Most anglers make mounting selections whereas their adrenaline continues to be pumping, usually resulting in remorse. Listed here are a couple of ideas that ought to assist you determine whether or not or to not mount your newest toad.

The Regional Trophy Bass Equation

What constitutes a trophy bass varies considerably by area. Easy pointers like “mount any 5-pounder” or “simply mount your private finest” don’t account for various components of the nation. Instance: A trophy in Minnesota may be thought of common in Florida.

Right here’s a breakdown of what constitutes a trophy largemouth bass by area:

Northern Areas (Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan)

• Distinctive trophy: 22+ inches or 7+ kilos
• Stable trophy: 20-22 inches or 5-7 kilos
• Value contemplating: 18-20 inches or 4-5 kilos

Mid-South Areas (Tennessee, Kentucky, Missouri)

• Distinctive trophy: 24+ inches or 9+ kilos
• Stable trophy: 22-24 inches or 7-9 kilos
• Value contemplating: 20-22 inches or 5-7 kilos

Southern Areas (Texas, Florida, Georgia)

• Distinctive trophy: 26+ inches or 10+ kilos
• Stable trophy: 24-26 inches or 8-10 kilos
• Value contemplating: 22-24 inches or 6-8 kilos

For smallmouth bass, the requirements are extra constant throughout areas:

Smallmouth Bass (All Areas)

• Distinctive trophy: 22+ inches or 6+ kilos
• Stable trophy: 20-22 inches or 5-6 kilos
• Value contemplating: 18-20 inches or 4-5 kilos

Measurement isn’t all the pieces when deciding whether or not to mount a bass. A number of different components ought to assist make your choice. Earlier than heading to the taxidermist, ask your self these 4 questions:

1. Is that this actually distinctive for my area? A 6-pound largemouth may be mount-worthy in Minnesota however strange in Florida.
2. How does it evaluate to my earlier private finest? Solely contemplate mounting a fish that’s not less than 10% bigger than your earlier private finest.
3. Does this fish have a particular story? Typically, a smaller bass caught below extraordinary circumstances or in a particular location carries extra that means than a bigger one.
4. Am I prone to catch a considerably greater one within the subsequent 5 years? Be sincere with your self. Take into account your fishing habits and entry to trophy waters.

A Strategic Mounting Coverage

After years of expertise and one costly lesson realized, I’ve developed a easy coverage for mounting bass:

For largemouth bass: Solely mount fish which might be both 10+ kilos OR that break my private finest by not less than 1.5 kilos.

For smallmouth bass: Solely mount fish which might be both 6+ kilos OR break my private finest by not less than 1 pound.

For all bass: Take detailed documentation (measurements and a number of photographs) of any bass inside 10% of those thresholds, simply in case you need a reproduction later.

This strategy ensures you solely commemorate actually particular catches whereas sustaining the pliability to have fun significant milestones with out cluttering your partitions—or storage—with mounts you’ll later remorse.

Pores and skin Mount vs. Reproduction

Whereas not the principle focus of this text, it’s price understanding your mounting choices:

Pores and skin mounts use the precise pores and skin of your catch however require harvesting the fish and have a tendency to deteriorate over time. They sometimes price round $15 per inch.

Replicas are made out of artificial supplies primarily based on photographs and measurements, permitting for catch and launch. They’re extra sturdy and customarily price about $20-$30 per inch.

If conservation is vital to you, replicas are a better option. For both possibility, you’ll want:

• Correct size and girth measurements
• A number of clear photographs from completely different angles
• Weight (if doable)

The Backside Line

That bass could really feel like a once-in-a-lifetime catch within the second, however take a breath earlier than making a $300 choice you may remorse. Use the regional requirements and significance components outlined above to make a extra goal choice about which fish actually deserve a spot in your wall.

By following this strategic strategy, you’ll make sure that every mounted bass represents a genuinely vital achievement in your angling profession, not only a fleeting second of pleasure that later collects mud in your storage.

Keith Lusher

Keith Lusher is an award-winning outside journalist who resides in Covington, Louisiana. He owns and operates NorthshoreFishingReport.com and writes a weekly outside column for the Slidell Unbiased Newspaper. He additionally writes for the St.Tammany Parish Tourism Fee’s VisitTheNorthshore.com. He’s the previous host of The Northshore Fishing Report Radio Present and is on the board of the Louisiana Out of doors Writers Affiliation. Keith contributes to quite a few publications each on-line and in print and prides himself on selling South Louisiana’s distinctive fishery. To contact Keith e mail: keithlusherjr@gmail.com