Big Smallmouth or Possible Meanmouth Caught From Cedar Creek

[MagikSmallie]

Strange fish for sure but i thought a meanmouth was a smallie/spot offspring. I caught one at dale, and the only reason im sure it was a meanmouth is because i couldnt figure out which one it was

I talked to some biologists at F&W, they told me a meanmouth can technically be a LMB/SMB cross or a SPB/SMB cross. Its likely this is a spotted bass X smallmouth. But they said it could be either. the fact that it did have a tooth patch is a pretty solid indication that it is most likely a spotted bass cross. The certainty remains that its definitely not a pure bred smallie.

[GeoFisher]

I talked to some biologists at F&W, they told me a meanmouth can technically be a LMB/SMB cross or a SPB/SMB cross. Its likely this is a spotted bass X smallmouth. But they said it could be either. the fact that it did have a tooth patch is a pretty solid indication that it is most likely a spotted bass cross. The certainty remains that its definitely not a pure bred smallie.

That is all good and all, but when are you going to post GPS locations for that spot on Cedar .

If you see a 19 ft Tracker with a Wild Man following you around, in a very sneaky manner, not mind him....I hear he's CRAZY.........actually bat **** crazy .

That is a beautiful fish.......

Later,

Geo

[roadrunner]

I talked to some biologists at F&W, they told me a meanmouth can technically be a LMB/SMB cross or a SPB/SMB cross. Its likely this is a spotted bass X smallmouth. But they said it could be either. the fact that it did have a tooth patch is a pretty solid indication that it is most likely a spotted bass cross. The certainty remains that its definitely not a pure bred smallie.

looking at first photo I though the mouth was probably a LMB/SMB however with tooth patch I think you are correct.

[zx150]

How does the state see the fish as a size limit issue? Lets say you were fishing a tournament and the smallmouth size is 18'' and largemouth is 15''. I have had this happen in a tournament before.

[MagikSmallie]

How does the state see the fish as a size limit issue? Lets say you were fishing a tournament and the smallmouth size is 18'' and largemouth is 15''. I have had this happen in a tournament before.

Thats a good question. My assumption is that there probably isn't a size limit on Smallmouth, Spotted or Meanmouth bass on Cedar Creek, unless a general state-wide regulation comes into play. Cedar isn't supposed to have those species and the 20" size limit would only apply to Largemouth. I'll see what I can read up on that. *After re-reading your question I feel like you meant on any body of water. My guess is, is that since it isn't a smallmouth, spot or LM that it would probably not have a specific length requirement. I've yet to see KDFWR recognize a MeanMouth as even existing on paper anywhere. They will acknowledge it as far as talking about them and admitting they exist etc. But they have yet to publish any regs on them.

[dabassking]

How does the state see the fish as a size limit issue? Lets say you were fishing a tournament and the smallmouth size is 18'' and largemouth is 15''. I have had this happen in a tournament before.

I've read somewhere that any hybrids that don't have their own size limit get the most strict of the two species. So if largemouth were 15" and smallmouth were 18", I would assume this fish would have to be 18". I can't remember where I've read that, though. It might be in a different state's regs and not KY.

[bob46]

Nice fish fishing up here in northern Kentucky is slow left the house at 430 this morning fished Brookville for one blue Gill. not worth getting up for

[Drew1233]

I know it has been forever since I've been on here but I figured I'd share one I caught out of Kentucky lake this spring. It doesn't really look like it in the picture but it is a mean mouth! Enjoy!