Thank you,, nothing fights like a small mouth, but warmouth are not so feisty, and mainly because they don't get very big. The record warmouth in Indiana is only 1 lb 4 oz. The average size anywhere is probably 5-8 oz. Your catching small mouth.

Thank you, that makes sense. I never remove the blood streak here, but that would apply to any fish with a streak that is going to be frozen for a length of time. Thank you

Walleye no doubt, the best tasting fresh water fish, and I have caught and eaten walleye from, Kentucky and Tenn. In Lakes and the tail waters. Have fished Lake Nipissing several times before the lake went bad.
My Point! Lake Erie is the only place I have fished,, and caught nice eating size walleye,, but so strong, that we had to dispose of the fillets. So sad.. So strong, and fishy tasting that the ladies will not cook?
Anyone else? What say ye?

Im not saying you will never catch a warmouth in a creek or moving stream, but I've been fishing for 70 yrs. and I have never caught a warmouth anywhere other than a lake or pond,, and I placed them in the pond.
I have caught rock bass in many lakes, where I have also caught Warmouth.
I think you are holding a Rock Bass.

He's a nice Male Bluegill. When males get that big, usually 9-10", they get black looking.Females are much lighter, I call whiter. Males under 9" will have a red belly. Besides Walleye, "Gills" are the best eating. much like yellow perch in the north.

Have you ever tried fishing with the current. Your jigs will bump in and out of the pools.
They will come after it, believe me.
I can send you pics of ten lb.er's caught drifting. you may need a heavier boat that does not move so fast.
govofmoon