PDA

View Full Version : A blessed fishing week! new PB!


MNfisher
03-02-2014, 03:03 PM
Well the wife is on tour until next weekend, so I put in some hours of fishing in this week.

It started with a trip to the Caney Fork below Center Hill dam. I went last tuesday night. I saw they had 2 or more gens going, but was honestly surprised to see 3 going full speed when i got there. My normal spots that average 5-8 ft were 17-20 ft deep. This obviously created some definite current breaks. I worked these current breaks and fished from just before dark until 8 in the kayak. The fish completely shut off at 7:30, but up until then I managed exactly 25 trout(a mixture of all 3 species) nothing over 15", but i didn't have one under 12", and there was only 2 under 13". So nothing huge, but very good quality trout with healthy bellys. At 2 different times I had a nice 15" brook and a 15" brown on the board to get a photo, they both times jumped off. Trout are the hardest to get to stay on the board for a photo! Amongst the trout, I caught this very healthy 24 1/2" walleye, and also caught a drum and a 14 1/2" sauger. Good night to say the least!

Then yesterday morning I hit the GSP at daylight. I fished 2 1/2 hours, I got one bite, was almost spooled, and then felt my line rubbing structure under the water, I thought "oh crap" then sure enough it broke. Nuts!

Hit the GSP again this morning, again one bite, and i apologize ahead of time for the lengthy description that is about to unfold.

As soon as i set the hook, It is like I hooked into a yellowfin tuna. I have never seen my drag peel this fast from a freshwater fish. It went, and went, and went. I started getting very nervous, started palming my reel, and then i got even more nervous, finally it slowed down just as i was starting to see the backing on my reel. I gained about half way, then it turned again and pulled out just about to the backing again. Finally gaining, I get it near the barrier, I think I have this fish beat. WRONG!! It decides to make a run out to the river and goes under the barrier about 20 feet infront of the kayak! So now I am leaning over the barrier on my kayak, holding the rod with both hands as hard as I can to keep it off the barrier and snapping my rod in half... as it is peeling line off at a crazy fast speed....towards the river! I see it surface half way to the white buoys...I now think...THERE IS NO WAY I AM GOING TO WIN! After I gain a bit it makes a large circle and swims behind me and goes back under the barrier about 30 feet behind the kayak. Then proceeds to peel 50 ft of more line out towards the plant. By this time, I still have not seen the fish besides a massive tail flip out towards the main river, Just large swells when it kicks it in 4 wheel. I now play a little bit of swim back and forth game and finally i get it near the kayak and it floats up to the surface, after nearly pooping my waders, i regain consciousness, I get the fish close enough to get the grips on her mouth. Then it takes 2 hands to pull her up on my lap! GOT HER!!! I look up to see not a soul around, slip her back in, hold on to her with one arm, and 1 arm paddle to shore, jump in with her, put my camera on timer and put it on a log sticking out of the water, snap a quick 3 shots, and then best part was reviving her in knee deep calm water right in the water with her. Watching her slowly and gracefully swim from my hands was an incredible moment! 43" long, 28" girth, 44 lbs on the boga. Beat my old PB by 10 lbs and new record for biggest kayak fish to date!

To show the size of the fish, I am a pretty big guy, 215 lbs, I have a life jacket on, and a duck hunting jacket over my life jacket. on pic #170, i am bear hugging the fish, so it is pressed tight against my chest. No holding out from my body whatsoever!

God is good!

tcintn
03-02-2014, 03:15 PM
Michael,
Catching all of those trout got your muscles in shape for that big fish at OH.
Your smile says it all.
Living the dream.

MPD816
03-02-2014, 03:19 PM
Very nice catch.

MNfisher
03-02-2014, 03:20 PM
Michael,
Catching all of those trout got your muscles in shape for that big fish at OH.
Your smile says it all.
Living the dream.

HA, thanks!! I sure am!

robhal11
03-02-2014, 03:23 PM
What a fish man. My goodness. Congrats.

Dakota
03-02-2014, 03:39 PM
Awesome catch!!!

Alphahawk
03-02-2014, 03:56 PM
Big congrats!



Regards

Tennoutdrsman
03-02-2014, 03:58 PM
Nice!:)

vincent
03-02-2014, 04:48 PM
Awesome!!!

ttitan27
03-02-2014, 05:06 PM
Wow! Great fish! My PB is almost identical. Congrats. Good job on the selfie too

Halli
03-02-2014, 05:07 PM
Great story and great fishing this weekend for ya!

white95v6
03-02-2014, 06:33 PM
awesome job those are all nice healthy fish.

FloatNFish
03-02-2014, 06:36 PM
Heck yeah, Mike! What a fish. I've been gone less than a week and I already want to get back out there so bad I can't stand it. Keep putting a hurt on them and ill see you for some hybrids in April.

-Alex

wordty
03-02-2014, 06:49 PM
Awesome story and pictures! Way to go, man! It was great meeting you at the expo and I hope you keep posting some great catch pictures.

Travis C.
03-02-2014, 07:05 PM
Guess you just couldn't stand your dad being up on you. Had to go and beat him. :D

GO-OKFISHIN
03-02-2014, 07:31 PM
Great fish! Congratulations

Jonesy
03-02-2014, 07:34 PM
Very nice! Congrats!

tkwalker
03-02-2014, 08:55 PM
Glad to see you folks start catching some rogues!! ... Now do you see why I posted I used broom handles and winches for tackle ... LOL !! ... Just wait until you catch a 55 pounder Plus !! ... Did you use the tail wag method I posted for reviving her ?? That will be real important when the weather/water temps start to rise ... ... Congrats again ... Now you and your Dad are Rogue catchers !! <'TK>< :)

creekcrappie
03-02-2014, 09:03 PM
Wow that one is huge! I wished I got to meet you at the fishing show. I went only friday.

TerryD
03-02-2014, 09:35 PM
Awesome catch and photo! I always look forward to your posts.
You are da man!:D

jimj3561
03-02-2014, 09:48 PM
Great job - next time I'll go with you to take the pix to save you from the one hand paddle!

MNfisher
03-02-2014, 10:11 PM
Heck yeah, Mike! What a fish. I've been gone less than a week and I already want to get back out there so bad I can't stand it. Keep putting a hurt on them and ill see you for some hybrids in April.

-Alex

Thanks! April hybrids, Can't wait!

MNfisher
03-02-2014, 10:12 PM
Guess you just couldn't stand your dad being up on you. Had to go and beat him. :D

My dad still got me by 2 pounds!

MNfisher
03-02-2014, 10:14 PM
Glad to see you folks start catching some rogues!! ... Now do you see why I posted I used broom handles and winches for tackle ... LOL !! ... Just wait until you catch a 55 pounder Plus !! ... Did you use the tail wag method I posted for reviving her ?? That will be real important when the weather/water temps start to rise ... ... Congrats again ... Now you and your Dad are Rogue catchers !! <'TK>< :)

I did use that technique TK! Thanks, and yes, usually I am armed with bigger gear. Happy to get my first rogue!

MNfisher
03-02-2014, 10:14 PM
Wow that one is huge! I wished I got to meet you at the fishing show. I went only friday.

Thanks! Hope to meet you soon.

tacklemake
03-03-2014, 01:23 AM
Mike congrats my friend on the great fish but the report was one of the best that I have ever read. It made me feel like I was right there with you catching that great fish. So I really thank you my friend for a really great report and pictures......................woody

SAMBOLIE
03-03-2014, 07:00 AM
Mike, congratuladions on your catch.
Great pictures and story (as always):) You have a lot of talent, my friend.

Transplanted Sportsman
03-03-2014, 07:18 AM
Congrats Mike, what a fish and what a story!!!

MNfisher
03-03-2014, 07:46 AM
Thanks everyone! I am blessed with all your wonderful compliments!

jaycee
03-03-2014, 09:03 AM
WOW Great story. Thanks for sharing.

browntrout
03-03-2014, 09:31 AM
Sweet fish!!! Congrats!!! Those would be a blast to hook in a kayak in open water and just let them pull you around.

Roy

Slacker
03-03-2014, 10:01 AM
Great report. Congrats.

Heiny57
03-03-2014, 10:32 AM
Outstanding, and I bet you never noticed the cold water.

StriperFan
03-03-2014, 01:13 PM
Excellent fish. Your off to a banner year!!

browntrout
03-03-2014, 02:05 PM
I saw this picture and it made me think of you pulling that big fish in.

Roy

MNfisher
03-03-2014, 02:19 PM
I saw this picture and it made me think of you pulling that big fish in.

Roy

Lol! Now there is a bucketlist fish for me!

CreekWalker
03-03-2014, 02:52 PM
Well done! Congratulations!

Coker85
03-03-2014, 04:09 PM
Nice fish mike!!
I was there for
The day before structure line break.

MNfisher
03-03-2014, 05:00 PM
Nice fish mike!!
I was there for
The day before structure line break.

Yes! You ever get any fish? Nice to meet you!

nomad60
03-03-2014, 06:26 PM
Wow, that's a nice fish, Mike. Congratulations! And way to get some good selfies :)

Travis C.
03-03-2014, 07:14 PM
I saw this picture and it made me think of you pulling that big fish in.

Roy

Where in the world did he catch that skippie? It must be some sort of record. :D

XxthejuicexX
03-03-2014, 07:41 PM
Mike, I am a little late to the party but Very nice fish! reading you talk about losing the 1st fish what line are you using? I have thought about trying for some of these fish but I was thinking about using 65 pound braid. Is that a big no no?

browntrout
03-03-2014, 07:54 PM
Where in the world did he catch that skippie? It must be some sort of record. :D


If this was Facebook I would hit the "Like" button.

MNfisher
03-03-2014, 08:15 PM
Where in the world did he catch that skippie? It must be some sort of record. :D

LOL!! Well played!

MNfisher
03-03-2014, 08:18 PM
Mike, I am a little late to the party but Very nice fish! reading you talk about losing the 1st fish what line are you using? I have thought about trying for some of these fish but I was thinking about using 65 pound braid. Is that a big no no?

I had 25 lb power pro. I was way undergunned and very lucky to get this fish in. When I target the big girls in summer, I use 80# power pro on a 400b Calcutta on a 8' custom heavy action Muskie stick. You would be wise to use 65 lb test! I just like catching the 5-25 lbers on the spinning gear and 25 lb braid. But clearly there have been some large fish hanging around.

fishfindergeneral
03-03-2014, 09:03 PM
Congrats on the PB's. That's a really nice 'eye. Did it go 6#s? Did you eat it?

MNfisher
03-03-2014, 09:51 PM
Congrats on the PB's. That's a really nice 'eye. Did it go 6#s? Did you eat it?

Thanks! It's the nicest TN eye I have caught so far. Bet it was well over 5, didn't weigh it. And, didn't eat, I released it. If I eat walleye, I prefer the 16-18"ers. Just something about a fish that approaches a size that is considered big or tough to catch, I just can't get myself to kill them. But just my opinion. It's just as cool to me to watch them swim off!

fishfindergeneral
03-04-2014, 01:15 AM
A couple of years ago we released a 31 incher at Willow Grove boat dock. I just wanted to show it to Darren... These guys at the dock were like "if you don't want it we'll keep it" i said that's not why we were releasing it. It was awesome to watch her swim away. Again Congrats :)

MNfisher
03-04-2014, 06:29 AM
A couple of years ago we released a 31 incher at Willow Grove boat dock. I just wanted to show it to Darren... These guys at the dock were like "if you don't want it we'll keep it" i said that's not why we were releasing it. It was awesome to watch her swim away. Again Congrats :)

That's awesome! I used to chase big Muskie in MN. I know you know this, but watching a 50+ ski slowly and gracefully glide away is something else. All part of the experience if you ask me!

fishfindergeneral
03-04-2014, 08:35 AM
That has been my experience too. They they kind of hang out for a moment and then slowly swim away. That makes me want to go Muskie fishing instead of walleye fishing this weekend. :)

MNfisher
03-04-2014, 01:16 PM
That has been my experience too. They they kind of hang out for a moment and then slowly swim away. That makes me want to go Muskie fishing instead of walleye fishing this weekend. :)

Hope you get on them!

Jim
03-04-2014, 01:32 PM
Awesome fish Mike. This cold winter seems to have brought the big fish to the steamplant this year. It does not always happen and it is fun when they show up.

Jim

bd-
03-04-2014, 05:25 PM
Great fish. What did it hit? Skipjack? Shad? Artificial?

MNfisher
03-04-2014, 08:46 PM
Great fish. What did it hit? Skipjack? Shad? Artificial?

Thanks! Smacked a pearl fluke on a jighead.