After a few days of having tough post-frontal conditions, it appears things are back to normal. I went to the private farm pond by church this afternoon after bible study, with about an hour to fish.

 

I happened to have my Spit'n Image tied on from 2 days ago, so I started throwing it. There was a lot of surface commotion, so I was hopeful. I made 4 or 5 casts with no takers.

 

I was considering giving up on the Spit'n Image, when right at the end of a cast, as the lure passed over the inside grass edge, something took a swipe at it. I make a short underhand roll cast about 3 feet past that spot, and worked the lure back over that spot again; Bam, a fish took my Spit'n Image under!

 

I set the hook, and immediately my drag started peeling line off. I keep the drag a bit loose, but having 12 pound Big Game, I tightened it a little. I had my rod tip high, and as I worked the fish, trying to keep it from diving into that weed bed, he turned. I was able to get his head up, and then ski him over the weed bed which was about 7' in from shore.

 

I stepped down to his level, as the water is a bit low. I sank in only about an inch, and I reached down and grabbed him by the lower jaw on the opposite side as my Spit'n Image's hook.

 

That hook was firmly planted in the corner of his mouth with 2 barbs; He wasn't coming off!

 

I unhooked him, and walked about 30' to the car and retrieved my scale. I guessed 4.0 even, but the scale read 3lb8oz! My guesser is always a bit strong.

 

I thanked God and released the big critter after one last look.

 

The rest of the evening produced 5 more bass and 1 bluegill, all on the Spit'n Image, one of which was entertaining.

 

I had walked down the dam and began to work the other corner. It was pretty dark by this point, just enough to see good silhouettes. I worked my lure over a grass bed where I'd seen lots of surface activity, when I saw a small bass, probably about 8" long, come up from underneath and push my lure airborne.

 

The Spit'n Image went flying, up and to the right as the little guy became fully airborne! I bet he was having the time of his life.

Good job, Bazoo! A 3.5-pounder can sure stretch your line. 

Sounds awesome! Catching a nice one on topwater is as good as it gets!