I was more concerned about getting him some action from the bass and maybe having him bang a nice muskie then myself seriously muskie fishing.

We started working a very large shallow reef that and really didn't get any action from the ever present smallies. That got me thinking that maybe a big boy was on the prowl. If there is going to be a big fish on the reef they usually set up on a indentation on the deep water side. It has 2 large boulders on each side of the cut that I fondly call the guarding gargoyles. With the SW wind coming right in on the spot it was set up perfect for a big fish.

I have just finished telling Chris that this is "the spot on the spot" when right on cue with 2 feet of line out the 45 incher came roaring straight up from underneath the boat to grab my black Vibrax bucktail. The fight was an adventure as I am trying to stay off the rocks while fighting him and then... the reel falls off the rod! So there I am holding the rod in one hand and the reel in the other. Well after an adventure in fighting him ( I got the reel back on ) I had Chris net him for me.

I was more thrilled to have Chris see the whole thing then actually catching him. Well not quite because as I laid the tape next to him I realized that I just tied my personal record at 45". She took off nice and strong and had the pleasure of seeing her power away to come back and play another day.

But. The day wasn't over yet, while casting a spinnerbait in 12 inches of water I had a 40 inch fish grab the spinnerbait. I have never seen such a large fish in such super shallow water. I figure he was back in the shallows hunting the same largemouths we were. She squirmed free while I was holding him in the water.

Well Chris didn't connect on any muskies but we had a great memorable day. Take a "New Guy" fishing and get him hooked.