Fished yesterday from 11:30 until 5:30 & only managed 9 bass. The water temp was 55 degrees in most areas I fished, and the is the coldest I have recorded in the past 6 years on this water body. It has gotten down to 56 degrees 3 times over those years. As slow as the fishing was, around 4 pm I did get "big # 3" for the year, which made it all worth it. So that got me thinking & curious about how other fishermen & women feel about this.

So here is "The Question". If you were fishing for 6 hours on your favorite water body would you:

Rather catch 1 bass over 5 lbs. or 20 bass between 1 & 3 lbs ?
Rather catch 1 sunfish over 1 lb or 20 sunfish 6-8 inches ?

For me, I would take the big fish over the numbers. When I am lucky enough to catch one that big I still just sit there in shock for a few seconds before putting it in the live well while preparing to take the pic. This particular fish hit pretty close to the boat & I didn't think it was anything special until it saw the boat & took off peeling drag. That's when the panic to get the net ready happens. Looks like we have a good chance for rain next week...so hoping that actually happens...our lakes really need it...

I'd be happy with a big big bass.
Nice bass by the way

I would take a one plus pound sunfish any day over a bunch of 6 to 8 inch sunfish. Same would be for the 5lb bass.


Side Note: As always. Very nice fish Steve!

First, congratulations once again. As for the question, I am always fishing for the big one. I get less bites using big line and tackle, but when I hook a big one I have a good chance at getting it in. I have fished for buffalo with a fly rod for 5 hours to get one bite.

Thanks Yesenia, Chuck & Barry...Very interesting...I thought it would be a 50/50 split, but so far everyone has chosen 1 big over a bunch of smaller ones...

Nice going Steve. A slow day for you is a good day most others. As for the question, I just like catching fish. If a big gets hooked, that's just icing on the cake.
Catching more than one species is a good day for me.

I only bass fish and for many years went out for a big fish only. I haven't been able to fish much the past three years, so I think I would now enjoy catching as many 1 to 3 pound fish as possible. With any luck I'll start fishing on a regular basis now, so shouldn't take me long to get back into the big only stage once again.

Easy answer! "Bigger is better"!