Well this thread is an excellent read………..
my 3 biggest LM were all on different lures so I can’t add much but they were all somewhere about 8lbs, one maybe a tad bigger. #1 hit a buzzbait in water willow, that was not a light bite, more of a terrifying explosion like an M80 hit the water (south Alabama). #2 Hit a chartreuse pepper zoom worm in water willow. Unfortunately I don’t remember it biting but I’m guessing that means he didn’t smash it or I would remember. (Southeastern texas) #3 hit a silver buddy on December 27 (E Tn). I’m guessing it hit on the fall but I felt it when I went to jig the bait. I don’t think it counts as the strike but as soon as the hooks connected, almost instantly that fish very nearly pulled me off the front deck of the boat on a hellacious run. I had just picked up my buddies rod and casted, never used it before , no clue what action. The fish pulled so hard the rod slammed the gunnel and I didn’t know what to do so I pushed the thumb bar (my first ever experience free spooling, maybe that’s why I like it so much). Some critters are just ornery, and we haven’t even talked smallmouth yet……..