I caught a 27 lb flathead catfish on my old pedal kayak. It pulled my around quite a bit. But I never brought it on the deck for fear it would thrash and tear up my electronics. I grabbed it with my fish grippers and unbuttoned it and weighed it alongside my kayak.

@Swamp Girl I think you would have a good shot in weeds. Steady pressure can break the stems little by little, unless it's real nasty like pondweed or you are on lighter spinning tackle. Running at wood and you are in a canoe? Eh, good luck and enjoy the ride. 

 

My most epic fights have been in the 8+ range, seems like they get big enough that it's just too much work for them to really fight hard for a while. More like a powerlifter when they are giants (over 10, same for teeners) - there are a couple of really dangerous moments but in general not that scary.  

 

All bets are off with an offshore LMB though - the ones that just chase bait all day - I think they are just built different because they swim around all day gorging vs sitting and waiting for ambush. Can't prove it, no data, but I have a little stack of experiences that are pretty consistent. 

 

Ky state record is 14 pounds 9.5 ounces. Just a couple shad short of 15 pounds.

I came fairly close from the bank with my PB. I've had a few that were bigger on and lost them from my jon. It's just a matter of time before another big girl grabs my swimbait again and gives me another chance. I'm constantly improving me and my gear in anticipation for our meeting. IT WILL HAPPEN.

@Swamp Girl

 

Katie, don’t cut yourself short. 
You just have a leverage disadvantage. 

Granted I fish mostly out of a 22’ Ranger with a leaning post which has to be the total opposite, of being 2’ off the water in a canoe. 
 

But that said, with the right equipment once you get her in mostly open water you’ll have the time of your life being pulled around like skier. 
 

Me, I could follow her around with the trolling motor if I had too once she runs, but you not so much.
If you put all you have into getting her head up and away, and minimize your leverage disadvantage, you seem to have enough experience to play her until she gives up before you do. 
 

 

 

 

Mike

32 minutes ago, Mike L said:

But that said, with the right equipment once you get her in mostly open water you’ll have the time of your life being pulled around like skier. 

 

I have had muskies take me for rides in my canoe. One musky was pulling me by an island where my dad was onshore.

 

"Help!" I cried.

 

"What can I do?" my dad rightly asked.

 

So, I just went off for a ride.

 

32 minutes ago, Mike L said:

If you put all you have into getting her head up and away, and minimize your leverage disadvantage, you seem to have enough experience to play her until she gives up before you do. 

 

That is generous of you, but if a 15-pounder hit my walking bait, I'd be tempted to immediately raise the white flag! This is the bass talking to me:

 

 

And this is me:

 

 

2 hours ago, GreenPig said:

I came fairly close from the bank with my PB. I've had a few that were bigger on and lost them from my jon.

 

W-O-W!

I've brought in 15+lb catfish on my kayak so sure. The biggest largemouth I've ever caught on it though was around 8lbs and the biggest smallmouth was around 6lb but 15lbs would definitely be challenging. I think I would need the right gear (rod, reel and line) and I would certainly need a net. 

 

You’re dam skippy I could. Problem is getting them to bite 

EZ.

 

Only if the stars and planets align perfectly. Otherwise, it's a flip of the coin. Fishing barbless makes it less likely, but I'll keep trying.....

 

I could, but I won’t. Like others have mentioned, I’ve regularly landed much bigger and stronger fish on significantly lighter tackle for their size, so that’s not the issue. Finding a body of water with a 15 pound bass, and then being fortunate enough to actually have it bite - that ain’t gonna’ happen around here 😆

As long as it was hooked good I think I could.

 

I trust my knots. I trust my gear. I trust myself (sorta see below).

 

My biggest fear would be turning my drag the wrong way, no I'm not kidding.

 

Grew up with spinning gear and always back reeled.

 

I've caught a few big pike with spinning and 8 lb mono.

 

If I ever get a big fish I'll be out there literally saying out loud "Lefty loosey righty tighty!!!!!".

Sure I could! If that hawg will just stay buttoned up long enough for me to put on clean underwear!

 

Never caught anything big from a yak or a canoe. Caught a 20+ lb carp and a 20+ rockfish (stripped bass) from my bass boat. From a yak or canoe? Don’t really know but I’d love to find out.

2 hours ago, TnRiver46 said:

You’re dam skippy I could. Problem is getting them to bite 

100% this

my best domestic fish was a 20 lb striper.  Daiwa Procyon AL 2500 reel, some Med Phenix Recon rod, 20lb braid, with a 10lb flouro leader.   gear is easy.  the rods bend absorbs so much shock the line is all but impossible to snap.   that fish was running, but I seemed to be able to slow it down fairly easily.  

 

it was kinda scary and exciting all balled up together.  but if you keep your head and remain patient...no problem.  

 

I hook a 15lb bass, and I will one day.   I have Mexico/Florida/Texa money to spend...I'll get it done.  

Never got that high for the renowned Largemouth Bass. Have caught a near 15 pounds Red Fish and have been told the Red Fish fights harder and longer than the LMB. Just Saying ...

Good Fishing 

I volunteer to be first in line.  Just tell me where and when.

 

scott

I have landed many double digit " accidentals " like Muskie , Stripers , Wipers , Flatheads and blues ...  While on my bass fishing escapades . Lotsa hooks in me and some cuts from scraps with ornery creatures! https://www.facebook.com/share/v/18zUJXRA1b/

Might just need a bit of practice. There’s an abundant species down here in south Florida called Jack Crevalle that will knock your socks off. Easily caught off any beach. Wicked fight. Once ya catch a couple of them, should be good to go!

 

As long as the bass stayed hooked and didn’t wrap me around something I think I would be able to land a 15 pounder. I’ve caught carp well over 15 lbs so I know my tackle could handle it. 

Like some of the others have said as long as she didn't wrap up in nasty stuff I could land her.  I landed a 24-12 striper on 6lb line while bass fishing a number of years ago in open water and many bonita in the pacific on 4lb. 

41 minutes ago, Alex from GA said:

I landed a 24-12 striper on 6lb line

 

Impressive!

Thanks Katy, The trolling motor was on high for a long time.

Depends where you hook it(deep, dock, cover, open water) and what you're fishing from. For me on our private community lake thats completely circled by docks and boat lifts that I fish mostly, it would be a challenge but not impossible. Especially on a kayak. Had a 12 pound Channel Cat slam my senko under a dock the other week and that thing kicked my butt. After doing one handed pole and paddle gymnastics I was able to get it out to open water. A 15lb bass would be doable if everything went well and you had a net lol.

I love how bass fight.  But the most memorable tug of wars came from sturgeon and ling cod.  

On 7/12/2025 at 5:40 AM, Zcoker said:

Might just need a bit of practice. There’s an abundant species down here in south Florida called Jack Crevalle that will knock your socks off. Easily caught off any beach. Wicked fight. Once ya catch a couple of them, should be good to go!

 

That’s is a fantastic photo.