First in a while

[Steve]

No pics, no Blog post, just some info.

Last year was my experimentation year. I tried all different kinds of lures on my stretch just to see what else worked but more importantly, what else was in there. I got into some toothy critters early on in June and July and enjoyed some success but the more I tweaked the less I caught as the year progressed. And what I did catch was half the size of what I was used to.

Well, Im back this year and Im staying tried and true. Picked up a #5 Blue Fox Vibramax something or other the other day after missing two hits after work on a smaller inline.

Throwing a spinner that big on my set up was like heaving dinner plates into the river. It is a dual blade number with White Bucktail.

I crawled out onto a log that jutted into the river and started my Fan pattern. on my downstream retrieve I snagged a branch a few times and did my best to avoid it the next pass.
There was no avoiding it. It was a Pike.
He nailed my spinner and almost pulled me off of the log. I got three leaps out of him trying to get him to me. As I reached down to grab him he leapt again, STRAIGHT UP IN THE AIR!

I decided he was hooked good enough that I tried to tire him out some before trying to grab him. Balancing on the log I tried to get him out with the rod but he was too big. I carefully crouched down trying not to fall in to the water and grabbed the lure and lifted him by that. I quickly grabbed him under the jaw while I worked the lure out with my free hand. He was long and super solid and round. This was not the snakes Id been used to. He was truly the Goliath Ive always wanted to get into. He was no 40'' but he was pushing well over 30 easy.

I grabbed my camera and turned it on, took aim but he was so big I couldnt get enough of him in frame. I reached my arm way out and moved my head way back- It was then that he leapt freeing himself from my grip.

I only have a picture of the bloody lure. I might frame it.

Ill have to get an accurate measurement off of my rod but he was the biggest pike Id caught on the biggest lure Ive used in this river.

In closing- I hit the river 4 times this week. Two Early AM before work6-7am , no hits. Two early PM after work- 4-5pm meaningful hits both times. I might scrap my early morning trips if the next one proves a no hitter as well.

Thanks for reading, sorry no pics... you have no idea how sorry I am..

[Navyfisher]

I grabbed my camera and turned it on, took aim but he was so big I couldnt get enough of him in frame. I reached my arm way out and moved my head way back- It was then that he leapt freeing himself from my grip.

Those things are boogers with teeth, it has happened to most of us. Bogas really help in that situation though. I am glad you didn't end up wet or with a #5 Blue Fox inplanted in your face, or both.

[pikekid96]

i had one that same size, i have a picture of it on another post. i caught it on a mepps #3 with no skirt. best fight there is!

[pinecone]

I've been skunked the last few times on my stretch (really shallow)....great to hear you've nailed a 30+"er...WooHoo! so what it got off, next time you'll grab that sucker by the gill and yell at it so loud, it'll be too freaked to move.

[Afalconsvick]

Awesome dude! I always have better luck in the PM rather than the AM on the DPR.

[Navyfisher]

I always have better luck in the PM rather than the AM on the DPR.

x2

[Rich]

Ditto. 2pm on for me, usually.

[Steve]

Thanks all. I agree, Im giving up on the AM runs. This is the Lure. I returned again today, Ill put up a new post for it. A few lessons learned but I didnt hook back up with my PB. Gives me a goal for the summer though!