Fishing the Eleven Point River in southern Missouri last Sunday.  We stopped at one of our camping spots near Barn  Hallow for lunch.  I tied on a Rebel Teeny Craw deep diver.  On my second cast this monster hit like there was no tomorrow.  I saw it roll and immediately became concerned about my 6lb test Stren. We usually catch 10-12 inchers from the hatchery and they taste great, this was the biggest fish any of us had ever seen on the river.  This one I had to put back.  It was 7 pounds and 25 inches.  I definitely consider this a trophy.

Incredible catch and I applaud you for the conscience to release this beautiful fish to fight another day. I don't see that on here often enough. Just about everything on here is catch and eat, catch and eat.

Tankdg, awesome fish, I can't even fathom fighting something like that on 6 lb line, that's a story that'll cause quite a stir wherever it's told, and I agree with Troutinator, excellent call on releasing him to let him fight another day, selective harvest is so crucial to maintaining a healthy fishery.

Tankdg ,I agree it is a pretty fish and a true sportsmen to let it fight again and make someones else dream come true when they catch it ..

nice fish, nicer job on the C & R