Redemption

[carl schenk]

 Headed out Tuesday in search of the fish that I muffed the net job on and pounded the area where I last saw her. Headed home after an uneventful night around 3:30am.  Somehow motivated myself off the couch last night (Wednesday) and convinced myself to try again. Decided I needed a change of scenery and headed to an area I've not yet had luck at night. Trolled about 20 yds and felt a heaviness on the rod, reared back and felt headshakes. Landed a big walleye, released it and started back on my way. Maybe 20 minutes later I get slammed. The fish breaking water 15 yds behind the boat trying to get distance between herself and me let me know it was a muskie this time.  Fought hard all the way to and under the boat breaking water a few more times. Brought her back up from behind the motor and saw it was a much bigger muskie than I first thought. She went under and around the boat on a short line a few more times before I could get the net into my hand and try to lead her to it. Had to bail on the first attempt when she powered down and I was luckily quick enough to get the net out of her way. One more time back from behind the motor and she swam nicely right into the net. Tank! Had to cut the one hook that was in her jaw and reluctantly decided I needed to bump her. Turned out to be my biggest river fish at 49" and change. She did need me to hold her for a few minutes before being able to keep herself upright. Floated along following her as she regained her strength and disappeared. Called it a night and went home. Total fishing time..30 minutes.

[Scott McKee]

A walk-off 49" after only 30 minutes? Too cool.

[John Jarosz]

here's lookin' at ya!

[Josh Ketry]

Nice!!

[John Pensyl]

Love it. Well done.

[Jay Nannen]

Great story Carl! Your persistence is an inspiration.