How big before you HAVE to keep it and mount it.

[32251]

How big would a bass have to be before you would consider it a keeper for a trophy mount?

I have released all the large bass I caught, even up to 10lbs.  I would have to say if I ever was lucky enough to get something up in the 12-15lb range, I might be VERY tempted to have it mounted. That size would surely be once in a lifetime for a non pro fisherman.  

Any opinions.  

[fourbizz]

35lbs

Ive got that 13, and not only was she released, I will get a bigger one, and Im not a pro.

[KYntucky Warmouth]

Release them all....just take detailed pictures and measurements for replica

[ptomacbass]

never, i release all that I catch.

[Muddy]

Bout this size  

[Grey Wolf]

NEVER.

Man you're stirring the pot with that question.

[jjbassjj]

the fish in my avatar was a replica mount.(she was released) you just need a couple of detailed pictures and precise measurements. The one mounted was my first citation (8 lbs 8oz.) I just wish i wouldve waited till last may and got my 11 pounder mounted! lol.

I would highly suggest looking into the fiberglass replica mounts. You can remember that trophy forever and you can know that she was released safely.

[HopelesslyAddicted]

I'm gonna say around 24 lbs then it might have to die

[armesjr]

If it was state record, then it would be going on my wall.  

[mattm]

Yep....state record.

[crappiesisgood]

i have been fishing for over 50 years and havent yet caught one big enough to mount on my wall so i cant help with that question

[32251]

NEVER.

Man you're stirring the pot with that question.

Not trying to cause any consternation, just asking at what point the size of the bass would be such that a trophy mount would be warranted and accepted in the sport.

Every one is entitled to an opinion, and the explanations of some will cause the others to rethink their own. Some will change and some will intensify even more.

[roadwarrior]

Welcome aboard!

Keepers and skin mounts:

Smallmouth: 12 lbs 1 oz

Largemouth:  22 lbs 5 oz

8-)

[Red]

i would do the replica thing.  take some good pics and measurements, and let her go

[Grey Wolf]

NEVER.

Man you're stirring the pot with that question.

Not trying to cause any consternation, just asking at what point the size of the bass would be such that a trophy mount would be warranted and accepted in the sport.

Every one is entitled to an opinion, and the explanations of some will cause the others to rethink their own. Some will change and some will intensify even more.

Just made an obivous statement , never said anybody was not entitled to their own opinion.

[Wayne P.]

A trophy mount in any species is an individual decision. It might be a 4" bluegill for a kid's first fish, at 5# bass for someone's first big fish, a spike buck for someone's first deer kill. There are no "rules" or "standards" for ones accomplishments.

[Joel W]

The only time I would ever consider it if I needed to bring the Bass to an official weighing station for what I knew was a state record. Since that's never going to happen, the answer is never. I'll take measurements, and enough pictures for a replica mount. I've seen the work of a master who charges $450 or so. Well worth it. And for that to happen, I'll need to have boated a 10 lb plus LM. or better. And that' I'm hoping to happen before I'm too old to fish any more.

[Sam]

Never keep a bass.

Take a photo and measurments and get a replica made.

Do not have ego to have any fish mounted to show people who don't care about fishing a large fish.

If they want to see a large fish let them to to an aquarium.

All fish are released back to the water.  

[J Francho]

After seeing Mike's replica smallie, I gotta say that's the way I'd go.

[Joel W]

john, exactly what I was alluding to. Mike's replica is simply amazing.

[BossierBassHunter]

15.97lb is the LA state record. if I had my own scale and weighed it and it was over that, I would bring it in for an official weight.

Say whatever you will, but to me, I think getting a state record (or world) is the ultimate achievement in fishing, and if one fish has to die so that I can get my name at the top of that list, then so be it.

Think about it this way: if you get the world record and release the fish, maybe someone will come along and catch the fish when it gets bigger and beats your record. I'm kidding, lol ;D ;D ;D

This fish here, I gut hooked it, it was bleeding bad, and I didn't know if it was going to live, so I gave it to a guy that looked like he could use it. It was probably 5 pounds or so, and I don't feel bad at all.

[Flameseeker]

Don't know if I could ever mount another one. My wife doesn't like the two twins I have mounted hanging in the livingroom. There really isn't room for another one. Seriously though, I probably will never mount another one. My hearts twice as big as it was some 20 plus years ago.

[Castamasta]

must be over 12 to mount but i wouldn't keep it id take accurate measurements so i can catch the lunker again!

[Jeff C.]

1st off I am 100% catch & release.

but,

Wayne P.

is rite on.. everyones trophy is different..

I do feel, if you want to mount a small 1st fish ..

get a replica for it..

also,

the size of a Bass to keep depends on what part of the country

you fish...

northern bass do not get as big...

Jeff

 

[Bankbeater]

I'd just take some measurements and a bunch of pics from every angle I could think of and then turn the fish loose.  Then if I didn't have the $$$ to have a replica made, I could get one made later on.