I agree with bluegill relative to size. Limited experience with rainbows
suggest they should be high on the list, as, of course, smallies must be.
Carp are great if you like something strong that'll make your reel sing.

"Doug" wrote in message
news:bu4jj.10115$ac7.9022@trndny03...
Pound for pound, Bluegill on light tackle, but the most sought after on
medium tackle, would be the smallmouth, caught about anywhere.
If you really want some fun, and want to catch something that pulls like a
P.O.d bull, go carp fishing in a river system near you with corn.
sportfish though, it truly is hard to beat a Smallie.

Just my opinion,

Doug

"Milo Milo" wrote in message
...
whats the best fresh water fighting fish excluding the musky family my
opinion is a small mouth bass caught in a river