Starting Over

After that great carp yesterday, I was exited as ever to hit the water this morning. It wasn't foggy this time, but a little cloud cover did some damage to visibility. I think it must have been my second or third cast that got taken. I was not at all ready and didn't tighten up. A few more takes later things went dead, so I changed flies. A good fish was tailing well within range, and I took my shot. A good pull signified the take. The fish proceeded to do a long, slow run. It then made a wide ark from right to left. At some point it picked up a tree branch and carried that for some distance. Eventually the fish came closer, and I got a good look at it. It was much bigger then yesterdays, perhaps bigger then any I have hooked on spinning gear. It was also dramatically colorful, very yellow and orange. I was drooling at this sight when the line went slack. My heart sank. I gave one strip. The fly was still there. I pulled it in and found a scale attached to the hook point. I don't know how this happened, I had seen the fly in the corner of the fishes mouth. Although a few more carp picked up the fly I went home without having touched one. A little largemouth kept the skunk away.