I took Sunday night off from guide trips and asked the Favorite Daughter if she wanted to go fishing…She said…noooo, I have to get up too early in the morning. (8 a.m. 
)
Well, Dean and Stuart were heading one way so I elected to go the other to check out some spots that I’ve been eyeballing, but didn’t want to experiment on with clients.
My cut bait rod was slammed about 7 pm but I felt the fish leave without a wave goodbye…it makes me feel better to think it was anouther gar fish. 
Then all was quiet for an hour. Got some little tasks out of the way. Changed batteries in the headlamps…checked to make sure I had spare batteries for the camera… Just did some housekeeping chores….when I saw the rod tip bend like an over active bullhead. Then the classic sloooooow bend. I was already there when the line out alarm would have gone off.
Lifting the rod out of the holder…he was still there.
With a hefty oommmph! It was Fish…Oommph! ON!
The game wasn’t over as this guy weighed in (in my mind) at a heavy 30…maybe a 40 as he was pumping drag out. He would get close to the boat…then off he would go while I was grunting on his every swipe of the tail. Now I’m thinking 40’s or a dang good fighter.
My first look at him sent a spray of water well into the air. Ok…keep tension on the line, grab the net, extend it , point him towards the net and hope for the best! Made it!
Now…lifting the net was the next battle…once he was in the boat it was catch my breath time…and photos. I have to admit, it’s hard…but still a feeling of accomplishment comes over me getting a large fish in the boat by myself.
The photos aren’t the best…but not bad for a camera sitting on a seat and using the timer.
A soft “thank you” was in order as he slipped back into the murky depths.
Although my daughter would have topped her personal best by 40 pounds…I have to say thank you for not coming along. I was ready for my personal best! 
