I guess I need to start with the fact that I like ALL fish and there are times when catching tons of smaller fish are some of my most memorable times. Other memorable times are when catching big fish with friends and also forever etched in my mind, almost as revered, are the two times when I missed the Trophy
30#s is the start of "big fish" territory for me.
Schoolies: to keeper size
Teen fish: keeper to high teen fish (also referred to as dinks)
Rats: very high teen fish thru 25#s
Nice Fish: 25# to 30#
"Big Fish" - often referred to as large and "big gals": 30 pounders
COW Bass - high 30s over 40
Trophy Bass - 50 and up - been to the dance but went home alone.
I have yet to land cows (though my personal bests have straddled the "COW Bass" designation) or trophies
Boat fish do count but as 8th grade english reading classes impressed upon me, some fish are more equal than other fish
