I got a chance to sneak out this morning. I get to the lake at 5:15...still very dark. Grab my gear, put on my headlamp, and head to my spot. I fish from the bank, and the area I fish from in the mornings requires a short walk down a rocky path. I start down the path, tackle box in left hand, fishing rods in my right hand, headlamp focused on said path. Well, next thing I know the headlamp is focused on the tree branches, my front cover to my plano tackle box is in two pieces, and my rear end and lower back are aching. I used to be able to catch myself before I fell, now I don't realize I am falling till my butt bounces off the ground. After gathering myself, i get ready to start fishing. After about an hour or so with no bites, I switch to a luhr-jensen jonny rattler. first cast and wham. I set the hook and immediately know this is the biggest fish I have ever caught. As I am trying to reel it in, I realize that the fish is winning. I have to run around the knob on the bank because he wants to go to the other side. I get him landed and, although I have no scale to weigh him, I do know that he was over 20 inches...measured on plano 3700 boxes which are 14 inches long, mark and remeasue. I released him and watched him swim away. I am guessing he was at least 4 pounds, maybe even five. Man, I am so stoked. I had to tell someone. Anyway, my back doesn't hurt as bad now. ;D

Congrats on the catch!

Ouch,that sucks falling down.I've scratched up my new curado slipping down some rocks....Even after catching a few smallmouths didn't cheer me up that day.I had blood going down my leg from one of the jagged rocks that scratched me.That day sucked hardcore for me.

good job on the fish!

......and hopefully your back will feel better soon.

ruff start.....GREAT ending!

ruff start.....GREAT ending!

Yeah Buddy  

Big O

www.ragetail.com

ruff start.....GREAT ending!

x2

 Catching and releasing a nice fish puts a good spin on the worst of days ...

skillet

yes it does skillet. I hope to catch him again, when he is even bigger.

Also, i emailed Plano to ask about buying a replacement front cover for my tacklebox, and they are sending a free replacement. What a remarkable statement of taking care of the customer. And, They knew it my fault- I told them I fell down and broke it.

 Goodwill from a company SURE goes a looooong way ...

skillet

Nice catch bud.Its always fun to catch a 20" plus fish.

... Anyway, my back doesn't hurt as bad now. ;D

Funny how fishing, and other outdoor stuff, can cure a lot of ills.

Fun story. Thanks for sharing.

That bass was just the medicine you needed!  

I always carry a small scale, a small tape measure, and also my camera phone...........never know when you are going to catch a monster.

Great story.

Steve