Hey I was just looking to see the pic if it existed . But I didn't want to waste my time pursueing it if in reality it was only a 5lb 'er. Heck a person can see all of those he wants to just by fishing the South centrals when flippin drew fishes lol !!!! And as far as people guessing I fished an everstart with a guy who is well known pro one time and I caught 2 smallies about 4lbs each . He just went on and on about how I caught 2 6lb'ers behind him . I told him they were only 3 3/4 - 4 but man he was really shook up lol. Oh yea he didn't catch another fish all day !!!!
I also don't think people realize JUST how big an 8 lb smallmouth is. They are so few and far between that looking at one and saying THAT IS AN 8 lb'er is near impossible.
AS for my personal best , Weighed on a certified digital scale is 6lb 10 oz. But I might add I have caught several as big and or bigger than that and wouldn't even start to guess their weight. Yes if I caught one I thought was over 8 I would probably take it and have it certified ( after changing my pants ) . BUT I realease all my fish and tell them "Go make babies "!!!
Good luck on getting your 8 plus