March 27-29, 2007, a batch of “good ones”

What is a “good one” when it comes to bass fishing?

While I do have a range that I’ve come to recognize as a “good one”, I think it is best to start with some other designations that I use to gauge our catches and work my way up.

For starters, a “good one” is a far cry from a “dink”. A “dink” is any bass that comes in below the 12” mark.

Now, a “keeper” is a fish that exceeds the “dink” range by coming in at 12” or better.

But among “keepers”, there is a notch that takes things to the next level. That level comes into play when the catches hit the 15”-17” range. At that size, there is a noticeable difference in body plan and shape that gets your attention. While only 3”-5” inches above the “keeper” threshold in length, the depth and girth of these next level fish really take a pronounced leap.

And that 15”-17” range, is what I qualify as a “good one.” Depending on the health and habitat, bass of this length typically weigh in around the two-pound range. These fish get your attention with a bit more heft after the hookset, better pull on the way to the boat and often elicit the “got a good one” response as they flash broadside under the surface. Those “good ones” never get old.

Of course, there’s another level that I call a “trophy”, but the odds are you’ll get more familiar with the “good ones” than the “trophies.” The cool thing about a “trophy” is that it is unlikely to be more than six inches above the range of a “good one.” But my oh my, the depth and girth of these “trophy” fish is striking in comparison.

This concludes today’s ramble through some of my habitual fishing jargon. If you peruse the multitude of fishing social media content out there on the internet you will undoubtedly hear plenty of other terms. When reviewing my expanding collection of video footage, it seems that I am prone to stating “not a giant, but…”

 

Here’s to some more “good ones” in 2022. Talk to you later. Troy