Thursday, May 14, 2015

Bucket Mouth

Today I went out expecting to maybe get a few shots at some carp, and that did happen. I had one take as well, in fact. But I didn't catch any. And that's OK. I'll tell you why in a moment. But first, here are some pictures from before and after the amazing event unfolded:


My first rock bass out of this pond




Alright, now for the amazing stuff. I was casting to a bubbling carp, which did not take. When I stripped the line in to avoid spooking the fish on the pickup I suddenly went tight. The rod buckled over and I looked out to see a big momma bass breach the surface. And I'm talkin BIG. This one had to come to hand, and after the best fight I have ever had with a largemouth bass I stuck my thumb into the mouth of my biggest bass ever. And that includes my five years of spin fishing before I learned to cast the fly rod. A size 8 beadhead Ausable Ugly seemed tiny on this hawg's upper lip. What a fish. I'm now several leaps closer to my 10lb goal this year! It was truly a privileged to get the chance to hook, land, and spend a short time with this fish. I'll see you again next year fish, when you have gained another couple pounds.  



6 comments:

  1. Wow that is a hog! Can see why you weren't upset about not getting any carp. Interesting that your pond has rock bass because no ponds in my neck of the woods have them. Only caught some before up north. They are usually in schools, so when you catch one, you catch a bunch!

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    1. Thanks!
      Rock bass are fun. Every few years it seems there are some really good days for them on the local lake- like 50-100 fish days.

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  2. WOW, you outdid me. I don't remember catching a big mouth that large. Looks like she has already dumped her eggs. The spawn here is anytime in May. That old lake sure holds some great fish. Thanks for the adventure!
    Tie, fish, write and photo on...

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    1. Thank you!
      Our spawn is just beginning and very few fish are even on beds yet. She probably still has here eggs.
      It is a great lake.

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  3. Nice Bass! I'd say it made up for that big Channel Catfish that got away. Enjoy!

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