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Unbelievable! Just got the boat put in yesterday and I was bringing it around from the yard. I couldn't resist just stopping at one of my old secret spots real quick. I had an old spinning rod with a plug on it that I left on from the fall and decided to make a few quick casts. The water was flat calm. It was one of those days that you become keenly aware of nature as there we no signs of man around. Gulls squawking, waves lapping up against the rocks. No boats to focus on, no wakes to avoid other than those made by the Canadian geese swimming in formation. Just me cruising on my boat. I felt lucky to be a part of it, yet guilty to be the one spoiling the serenity of the moment with my twin engines humming what now oddly seemed quite loud. I slowed down and idled up to ?My? spot. I stood on the deck, engines off just taking in the calmness and beauty. I thought I saw a slight swirl on the surface so I cast in the direction. BANG! I've never seen or felt anything like it. The water exploded! I thought I was dreaming. I was alone, not a boat in sight, no net, tackle box back at the dock, All I had with me was my duffle bag w/ my CG package and that's it.
I thought for sure I would lose this fish and no one would believe me. The rod was and old cheapie and it has 15 lb mono spooled on a 25 yr old cheap Daiwa spinning reel. I was praying the rod didn't break of the reel fall apart. I've never, ever serviced this reel other than a quick spray off with fresh water. There were still salt deposits on it from last fall.
My hands were trembling, I was freaking out! Every run the fish took I thought that would be it. I don't even think I could adjust the drag on this reel if I wanted to. The wind was now pushing my boat toward some rocks! I had to step up to the helm and start her up and hold the rod with 1 hand while turning the keys, popping the boat in gear and backing away from the rocks while the line is now under my boat! I thought I was going to run right over my own line. I managed to back the boat away from the rocks and get 2 hands back on the rod. The wind took my boat again toward the rocks. This time I had the engines on so it was a little easier to maneuver the boat back away from the rocks. Back I went to fight this fish. This dance went on for at least 3 more rounds. Each time I was able to gain just a little on this beast. I had to be into this fight at least 20 minutes when She finally seemed to give up the fight. As I got her close to the boat, I felt this serious remorse. It's not Bass season yet and God help me if this fish is in bad shape. This would be the fish of a life time and no would believe me!
I can imagine all my buddies laughing at me as I told them this story and busting my chops. "Yeah right, you caught a 60 lb striper and no way to prove it. Dream on pal" Especially since my neighbor caught a 53 lber last fall and he would claim I was jealous and made this all up. (I was jealous by the way).
Anyway, as I'm reaching down to grab this fish, she kind of rolls on her side and looks right at me. She had to be 60lbs! 4 feet long fat as a cow. You can't imagine how bad I felt at that moment. I saw the small treble hook just hanging on and decided to unhook this fish and hope to God she was ok. I gently unhooked the barb and she stayed there for a moment then SPLASH! She swatted the water with her tail, splashed me and took off.
My hands are still shaking so if there are any typos or this seems incoherent, I apologize.
I think I can now die in peace.
I thought for sure I would lose this fish and no one would believe me. The rod was and old cheapie and it has 15 lb mono spooled on a 25 yr old cheap Daiwa spinning reel. I was praying the rod didn't break of the reel fall apart. I've never, ever serviced this reel other than a quick spray off with fresh water. There were still salt deposits on it from last fall.
My hands were trembling, I was freaking out! Every run the fish took I thought that would be it. I don't even think I could adjust the drag on this reel if I wanted to. The wind was now pushing my boat toward some rocks! I had to step up to the helm and start her up and hold the rod with 1 hand while turning the keys, popping the boat in gear and backing away from the rocks while the line is now under my boat! I thought I was going to run right over my own line. I managed to back the boat away from the rocks and get 2 hands back on the rod. The wind took my boat again toward the rocks. This time I had the engines on so it was a little easier to maneuver the boat back away from the rocks. Back I went to fight this fish. This dance went on for at least 3 more rounds. Each time I was able to gain just a little on this beast. I had to be into this fight at least 20 minutes when She finally seemed to give up the fight. As I got her close to the boat, I felt this serious remorse. It's not Bass season yet and God help me if this fish is in bad shape. This would be the fish of a life time and no would believe me!
I can imagine all my buddies laughing at me as I told them this story and busting my chops. "Yeah right, you caught a 60 lb striper and no way to prove it. Dream on pal" Especially since my neighbor caught a 53 lber last fall and he would claim I was jealous and made this all up. (I was jealous by the way).
Anyway, as I'm reaching down to grab this fish, she kind of rolls on her side and looks right at me. She had to be 60lbs! 4 feet long fat as a cow. You can't imagine how bad I felt at that moment. I saw the small treble hook just hanging on and decided to unhook this fish and hope to God she was ok. I gently unhooked the barb and she stayed there for a moment then SPLASH! She swatted the water with her tail, splashed me and took off.
My hands are still shaking so if there are any typos or this seems incoherent, I apologize.
I think I can now die in peace.
