Pacemaker Fishing Forum

I got out early and fished from shore from about 5:30am until a little after 7:00am.  Hooked one on a little popper before the sun peeked out.  Self released at my feet, maybe 14 inches.



Caught one more that was maybe 16 inches before switching to the Big TRD.  I caught one that was maybe 15 inches and then it slowed down.  Then I felt a take and I waited a second, while taking in slack and set the hook.  It was a good fish and the fight was on!  It pulled drag a couple times and had me in a grass clump for a few seconds, but it was hooked good and I was patient.  I walked it down to a little deeper water and then toward shore.  It pulled drag a couple more times before I got it to shore.  It was a beast!  Easily over 18 inches and looked more like 20, but I did not measure it.  I did bring my scale and after a little struggle, got it on and it was 4.52 pounds!  I had dunked it and then revived it after weighing it.  One handed picture was not good but got a couple.







I caught one more smaller fish on the TRD and then tried the popper again.  After a few casts, I got smashed when the popper hit the water.  This one was a nice one around 16 inches or so, but hefty.  Bite died after that.  I did try another deeper spot before leaving.  First cast with the Big TRD got sunfish hits.  Second cast, felt like a take.  I got the line tight to set the hook and when I did, the line broke at the leader!  No fish jumped, so not even sure if it was a fish.  No more bites, so headed home.  Fun stuff!