Going to have bad dreams about that one

[Rich]

If ever there was a perfect day to fish in South Texas, this was it. Headed out at 6AM, driving slow due to dense fog warnings. On the water by 7:30, so foggy we had to use the GPS to get where we wanted to fish. Air temp 65, water temp ranged from 61-64, NO WIND (VERY rare for here) Pulled up to a spot that had stickups surrounded by hydrilla edged by cattails. Tied on a baby bass/pearl swirl Bamboo Stick and made a few casts. On one, it hit the water, I twitched it once, and an absolute hawg grabbed it-she rolled on the surface and she was approaching double digits if she wasn't already there-we are talking a real toad here. Then, she buried in the hydrilla in about 4 feet of water. Before I had a chance to even move towards her, SNAP! She broke off. I almost sat down and cried. Instead, I said a few choice things that surprised my buddy because I rarely use such glowing terms if you know what I mean ;D. I did manage to get a couple in the boat including a 3 pounder, but I learned-or rather relearned-a painful lesson: In heavy cover like that, USE POWERPRO!

We did find a few on the beds, but the were not interested in anything we were offering. Regardless, it was a great day to be on the water, but I know I'm going to have bad dreams about, all together now, "THE ONE THAT GOT AWAY!!!! ;D"

[fishinmusician]

Man I feel for you! But now you know where she lives, you'll get her next time!

[Rich]

My theory exactly!

[Rob Mak]

been there done that, it happens to even the best.


zooker

[mike0062466]

I almost sat down and cried. Instead, I said a few choice things that surprised my buddy because I rarely use such glowing terms if you know what I mean

Funny how losing a big one can change a person's ways. In my case, it wouldn't have changed me, because I'm ALWAYS using "glowing terms", as you put it. :

But sorry you lost it, hope you get it next time.

Good luck.

[gonefishy2002]

Sorry to hear about that reb. It's early in the year yet and you should have more opportunities to top that one.I wish I could count the big ones that have gotten away from me, it sucks everytime! Just keep pluggin!

[zman]

Rebb, that almost sounds like a play by play of the largest fish I ever lost....I've already hashed out the story many times here before, if thats any indication of whether or not the pain gets any better....

[fredhatch]

Have caught and lost a lot of big fish. Worst for me, 1st tourney I ever did, wasnt having a great day then caught a couple small ones. Well I guess that turned the bite on, we proceeded to catch four more fish weighing 3-4 a piece. Then I threw out a motor oil w/ firetail 8" worm and before I even started to reel I was hit. She came to the surface and I got her in shallow water. Brought her to the boat and my partner grabbed her. Instead of bringing her to the livewell he wanted to see how much she weighed. Well she didnt like that and over she went. Side note: partner almost went after her.....with help! 8)

[macgyver]

Reb, that will just keep you going back for a long time. I must admit, having too many bigger fish break my line is why I switched to fireline. I love fishing heavy cover, and mono just doesn't cut the mustard. Anyway catch her next time.

Lizards

[Rich]

Lizards, what makes it worse is I have the exact same setup in the rod box spooled with braid. I just wasn't using it.

[tbuck]

Reb,
I feel for you buddy.. I made a custom crankbait from a silver/black Norman middle-n that used to slay the bass where I used to live in PA. Twice, Twice, once daytime and once at night, threw that crankbait and maybe turned the handle three times and thud and then she's coming off the shore line into deep water and into structure before I could even turn her... I think about this every time I see that crank in my box.. but, what the whoooo, it's what keeps us going back right? And one guy said, you sure it's not a turtle? And I said, sure it was, turtles don't swim that fast and head for cover usually.


;D Mike