Finally.....A 7lb. 12 oz whopper!!!!!

The preparation for this day was long and stressful at times.  I had thought of everything in my mind.......

1. Proper technique.........practice practice practice - CHECK.

2. Proper equipment........action, power and sensitivity - CHECK.

3. Weather conditions......check the radar, no storms - CHECK.

4. Timing........always a consideration - CHECK.

5. Patience and persistence......more critical than you can ever imagine - CHECK.

6. Tidal influence..........slack is not preferred for this method - CHECK.

7. Presentation..........can't be forced - CHECK.


With preparation complete, now it came down to when.  Countless hours spent coordinating schedules, re-arranging appointments, checking, double-checking and ensuring everything was ready.  The scheduled window was fast approaching.  The anticipation was overwhelming and almost numbing at times.

Mentally reviewing the preparation I had done - checking, re-checking, doubting, questioning..............the seeds of doubt firmly taking root in the soil of my mind.  Did I do everything I could?  Only time will tell.

I made it home after work a couple Wednesdays ago and settled in for the evening when I learned that the water conditions had changed for the better and my plans were suddenly rushed into almost a state of hyper slow motion.  I had missed my chance a few times inthe past few years, but I was not going to miss this one.  I forced myself to breathe and stay calm.  Now was not the time to forget anything or rush and mess something up.

I made my way to the prime location and waited..........the hours passed by ever so slowly.........

......6pm
......7pm
......8pm
......9pm
.....10pm
.....11pm
....midnight and the first signs of activity
....1 am comes and I find myself in prime position.
....a short while later and the moment finally arrives.  A subtle sweep of the arms to the right then a little to the left.  No time for slack now.......a steady pull and BAM!!!!

A 7lb. 12 oz WHOPPER and she's a beauty.  She was citation quality and definitely keeper material in my opinion!!!!!!