Heartbreak at the trout pond

Need I say more:



I don't have to, but I will.  Some (women and psychiatrists) say it's best to talk things out, so here it goes.  Ndogg asked if I wanted to hit a not to distant trout pond since the rivers are nasty and the Columbia was close to flood stage.  It was Friday and neither of us had to work so we got there bright and early.   On the drive there, we were discussing what to do if we catch a monster. Neither Nate or I wanted to bring a big one home so we agreed to release them.  That way it would still be there for the other guy since we planned to come back the next day.   

Upon arrival, there was one bank fisherman that said the fish hit on bait early, then spinners later.  Well, we both sat and froze our buts off for several hours.  I learned not to use worms when you are in a pond full of millfoil and red- bellied newts.





I seem to catch a lot of these when I am trout fishing.

Anyways, back to the story.  After freezing for about three hours I noticed a lot of the bankies had packed up.  This led for  a good channel in the weeds to open up for some trolling.  So, hoping to warm up, I cast a black rooster tail with a silver blade back behind me and started my troll.  I was about five strokes into my troll when BAM! the rod bent over.  This was when I wished I hadn't brought a knife to a gunfight.  When I turned around and looked over my shoulder, the biggest fattest nastiest Krill Ho I have ever seen broke the surface.  I was able to get it next to my yak, and that as when the trouble began.  I quickly pulled out my little 15" trout net and tried to get the fish in the bag:


I had the fish in the net head first and was lifting her out of the water.  The problem was, over half the fish was still hanging out so every time I would try to scoop her up, gravity and the fish flopping would cause her to fall out.  After the fish fell out the third time, I called Nate begging for his net.  He said, "Screw you, I hope you break off so I can catch it and beat Rawkfish!"  Then he started throwing spinners towards me and the fish.  Ok...that didn't happen, but he did seem pretty slow in getting over there.

Finally, I thought  I will just try to pick her up by hand.  But, the nasty beat up pig was so fat, I couldn't see where to grab around her slimy, krill pellet-fed, triple chinned body without hurting her.   So, while I was mulling it over, and  just before Nate arrived, she decided to make another dive.  That was when my little tiny swivel gave out.   I almost cried  

It was fun, but I am glad I forgot my GoPro.  I don't know if I could ever watch it again.  Unfortunately, all my hands were pre-occupied, so there is no photo evidence.  Just Nate and the nice older dude with the Hobie pontoon as a witnesses.  That dude was slaughtering the fishes.  He also hooked up with the monster (with my rooster tail in her mouth) a few minutes later. But, she took him to the bottom and wrapped him around the weeds.  He lost her, too.  On a brighter note, I did have trout for dinner last night. 

Sorry for your loss

Seriously, thanks for the nice report. Sorry that you all did not hit pay dirt on the big fish, but it looks like you did not come home with the white stripe down your back so that is always a good day in my opinion.

Nice report Craig.  Oh how I wish I could of seen that fat trout.    I might even of been able to believe it.     

Nice report Craig.  Oh how I wish I could of seen that fat trout.    I might even of been able to believe it.     

Maybe I wanted to let it go so I could go back tomorrow during the new AOTY year.  The points on that fish would not have moved me up a place this year.  However, it would be a great start for next year.

Go get 'em Craig. I gotta wait till Tuesday to fish, it's my anniversary today.


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I can attest to everything.  If we could have gotten a picture, I think the trout would have given Rawkfish's a run for the money.     

Tough break Craig!

Tough break Craig!

Eh...no big deal. The memory will live forever.  Besides, it would not have moved me up any in the standings.

Sometimes the best stories are of the ones that got away.

By no means do I mean to put any salt in your wounds, truthfully we've all lost some quality fish (or will in the future), but I've found that quality terminal tackle is worth spending the extra money on.

Looking forward to the report where you bag that frankenfish.

By no means do I mean to put any salt in your wounds, truthfully we've all lost some quality fish (or will in the future), but I've found that quality terminal tackle is worth spending the extra money on.

Looking forward to the report where you bag that frankenfish.

Yeah, I agree.  I didn't expect to have a 15+ pound fish on a tiny swivel made for pan fish and planter trout.  I should have swapped it out, but I didn't think about it until after it happened.  Ah, well.  If I hadn't planned on releasing it anyways, I could have used my game clip as a gaff.  But, I was hoping to get back out there and have a chance at a big one for the new AOTY year.  Nate and I were there the next day and we saw a few of the big ones still swimming.  They just weren't interested in biting.

Sorry again about the fish, but I never use a snap swivel. I think they were invented by the lure and hook companies to increase sales If I want a swivel I just use a barrel. Even if after small fish I still only ever use a barrel.

What test was your line? I'd expect the tiniest swivel to be at least 10 pounds.


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What test was your line? I'd expect the tiniest swivel to be at least 10 pounds.


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6 pound test.  The swivel did not have a hook at the end where it snaps in so it was pulled straight down and out.  I should have switched to heavier gear.

Ah, that's why we share our tragedies as well as our triumphs. I may run some stress tests on my tackle just for educational purposes. I read somewhere that it's smart to test your rod, line and drag using a fish scale (not one that's attached to fish skin). Probably should include terminal tackle, too. If I do I'll post results.


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