06-15-2019, 02:54 PM
ya know, I think I saw that fish before I hooked him. I was in about 2 fow when I stood up to make a cast. I saw what I thought was a really big carp or maybe two carp about 15 ft. from my boat. It was stationary, not moving or cruising like the carp usually so. I think he was sitting there watching me (stalking me, yikes!) while I was casting.
He made a good showing of himself. I had no doubt that I had a monster cat on. He made several runs toward the reeds and I had to really bear down on him to turn him but my 30# braid held. He made two runs under my boat -- in two feet of water -- and I was sure his intent was to throw a couple of loops around my Minn Kota shaft. I really put a bow in my Ugly Stik, almost a complete circle.
He made a couple of runs to deeper water where I could keep pressure on and let the drag work. It was not until I worked him back toward my boat that I got a glimpse of his back and could see that it was not the cat I was looking for. My next guess was a nice big walleye until I got him close enough to use my net.
I was surprised that he did not clip my line. I know those critters are known for their sharp teeth. The hook appeared to have been swallowed and my line ran out the corner of his mouth, maybe that is why he didn't cut me off. I cut my line and did not make a search for my hook.
The DWR guys were at Lincoln doing some work and they were glad to get the beast out of the lake so they could do the stomach analysis and other tests on him. It was good to meet Chris Crockett and the other DWR workers. They really want those toothy critters out of the lake.
So, the chase continues. Eventually I will hook up with that big cat. My battle with the northern was a good training session and a lot of fun.
Lynn aka BLK
[signature]
He made a good showing of himself. I had no doubt that I had a monster cat on. He made several runs toward the reeds and I had to really bear down on him to turn him but my 30# braid held. He made two runs under my boat -- in two feet of water -- and I was sure his intent was to throw a couple of loops around my Minn Kota shaft. I really put a bow in my Ugly Stik, almost a complete circle.
He made a couple of runs to deeper water where I could keep pressure on and let the drag work. It was not until I worked him back toward my boat that I got a glimpse of his back and could see that it was not the cat I was looking for. My next guess was a nice big walleye until I got him close enough to use my net.
I was surprised that he did not clip my line. I know those critters are known for their sharp teeth. The hook appeared to have been swallowed and my line ran out the corner of his mouth, maybe that is why he didn't cut me off. I cut my line and did not make a search for my hook.
The DWR guys were at Lincoln doing some work and they were glad to get the beast out of the lake so they could do the stomach analysis and other tests on him. It was good to meet Chris Crockett and the other DWR workers. They really want those toothy critters out of the lake.
So, the chase continues. Eventually I will hook up with that big cat. My battle with the northern was a good training session and a lot of fun.
Lynn aka BLK
[signature]