What a work out !!

I knew that it was going to be a busy day on the water when I got to the ramp and I was the 4th boat there. I headed out and it was a beautiful morning.


There was only a very light breeze and the water was as smooth as glass. I headed to my starting point and was not surprised to see two other boats in the area, but there was good distance between every one. I set the rods out and my floats fell right inline. Just the way I like to see them.



I started to work the area and one of the rods goes off. First fish of the day and it's a keeper. A short time later, the second rod brings home a guest. He is added to the box. I make two more passes through the area and add a couple more fish to the box before things go quiet for me. I move to the next spot and repeat the drill. A few more fish, then it goes quiet. I move on. As I approach my last stop for the morning, I see that there are a couple of boats already there. I swing wide to stay clear. I do a fish count and decide that I have enough in the box. I point the bow towards the ramp and start to work my way in.

I look back at my floats and I see one starting to move out of line. The rod has not yet started to bend but it won't be long. I pick up the rod. I have the top up so I need to pass the rod around the poles and straps. I get the rod clear and lift the rod tip up. I fish feels the tension and takes off. The rod bends in half, almost touching the water ( it's a 12 ft rod ) and the reel begins to sing. I hold on. This fish is big !! I have 5 other rods out off the back of the boat, I try to guide the fish between the other lines and down the open center area behind the motor. I did turn the fish, but it didn't go like I thought it would. It took off, the reel screamed. I put an extra turn on the drag, it kept on going. It ran under my other rods on the far side of the boat. The lines all jumped as it ran through them. I reach down with one hand to try to bring in the other rods. The fish kept making one run after another. I get the other rods in out of the way. This fish is pulling my boat backwards. I check to make sure there is nothing around me to run in to. The are three boats moving in to watch ( I can't loose it now). After what seemed like forever, I get to bring the fish up to the boat.



It's a big ol garfish. I pop the hook out and let it swim free. That was one heck of a work out. But boy was it fun !


I ended up with a nice bucket of fish for the morning and a good story to tell. Not bad.

Until next time,

Tight lines and full nets

Jim