It never fails.... you catch a truly big fish (which you did), or shoot a nice buck, and here he comes with an opinion nobody asked for - the "master" outdoorsman. These doufus's never fail to belittle, and they never fail to elevate themselves with the next breath. I have caught one 20" smallie on the flowage....... one. I don't think I have ever caught a 19", and have caught several heavy 18" fish all of which are trophies in my eye. Your fish is a trophy, congratulations!