Pike or Smallmouth?

Type: Nontidal
Region: Central
Location: Liberty reservoir

I went to Liberty Reservoir on Sunday the 13th. About mid day, I was throwing a spinner around weeds and rocks and the fish pictured inhaled my bait about 10 feet from shore. I thought it was a pickerel at first because it was so long and thin. As I reeled it closer, I saw it was a smallmouth. I don't think I�ve ever seen a smallmouth that was so "pike-like". The fish was released alive and well.

DNR Note: Yes, this fish is indeed a Smallmouth Bass. The fish is very skinny and has an elongated body shape which gives it a "pike-like" appearance.