Here's the story. Today, I had both kids along, and about an hour after we started trolling, we had a hit on a board rod. I got the rod out of the holder, and handed it to Eric (my 12 yr old son). Had him keep pressure on it until I cleared the other 3 rods. This done, I looked up, and saw a big bend in the rod, heard drag being taken and Eric yelling it was a big one. I looked out, and the board was gone! Eric kept just the right amount of pressure on it, and gained some ground. Soon the board was going up and down, but getting closer to the boat. I positioned Eric front and center, and reached for the board. Releasing the board, Eric reeled down to my hand, and it was all his. This fish powered around, leading him from one side of the boat, around the back, and to the other side. As the flouro leader's swivel appeared, the fish made a run under the boat! Yikes!! Eric did a great job, with coaching from his sister, and lead this fish out from under the motor, and into the waiting Frabill.

I did a great net job, if I do say so myself! Man, when I saw this fish surface just before the net, my knees started shaking. All I could think of was, don't let the hooks get in the top of the net! They didn't, and I smoothly scooped the net under and around a beautiful fat fall piggy! Once in the net, I had to gather myself. I gave Eric a hug, and let out a yeee haaaww! Removing the bait was surprisingly easy, as the fish hit the front of the Believer, and had the front set in his bottom jaw, and the middle set hooked on the other side. A quick snip of the middle hook, and a twist of the front hook, and she was filling the Frabill peacefully.

As Lauren held the net steady, I got the Kodak out, gave it to Lauren, and lifted the fish out of the net. I was going to have Eric hold it, but it was very heavy. Not sure if he could hold it up, he told me to hold it. A few quick pics were taken, and then I measured the fish at just 49 inches! Wow, biggest fish ever in my boat, it bested Eric's previous by 11 1/2", and my personal best by 1 1/2"! There was no question that this fish was going to be released to grow some more, and Eric thanked the fish for coming to visit us this day. We waved as this trophy swam slowly into the dark water.