02-21-2012, 05:17 AM
They do tend to be fat around the middle, especially this time of year as they prepare for the spawn. That's a beauty though. I'd say you did quite well for your first time. The smaller one is indeed a smaller largemouth. The marking aren't as distinct, but the dark horizontal line down the side gives away the largemouth. Smallies have numerous vertical bars down their sides. Also, when the mouth is closed, the mouth extends past the eye with a largemouth, just about even with the eye on a smallmouth. Those are some great fish. This winter is making me wish I still lived in Utah County. Cache is milder than usual, but definitely a lot colder than down there. I'm sure all the ice fishing fanatics probably feel the opposite, but it's definitely not my cup of tea.
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