Frabill and “MAN HUGS?!”

Deep in the isolation of “Manland” one might ask if “Man Hugs” are ever cool? Father to Daughter……YES. Man to Man……..RARELY.

Well I’ll admit there was a BRIEF “Man Hug” in “Sho-Time” yesterday.

Here is the story; Bob…..Let me re-phrase “BIG FISH BOB” was one of our customers yesterday. We had a simply epic day of fishing between countless slot Walleyes, Big Smallies and Nice Pike. At the time our biggest pike was a respectable 35 inch fish. I overheard Bob talking to his son Andy about fishing Lake X deep in the heart of Ontario because of the big pike showcased on a television show. I replied “Hey Bob…There are a LOT of monster Pike here, so keep hucking!!”

About 30 minutes later…….”BIG FISH BOB” laced up something ANGRY!!! Yesterday was very windy with a East blow upwards of 25 mph. We were in a very tight fishing spot with boulders surrounding the Skeeter. I looked over my shoulder and witnessed Bob losing line at a very fast rate as the fish was heading to Canada!! I instructed Andy to reel in and Bob to get up with me in the Bow as the Terrova 101 was screaming trying to keep us out of the rocks and the fish in our zipcode!!

With my left arm holding Bob in the boat and my right hand holding the “Big Kahuna” from Frabill we saddled up and rode the waves chasing the beast!!

ROD UP BOB!! ROD UP…..We’re going after her!!

This beast was SMART. I had Bob up front in the bow of my Skeeter WX2100 so we could attempt to stay on the fish. She kept wanting to get us in big boulders, so I had to feather through the “Lower Unit Graveyard” while trying to keep the fish out of the trolling motor and BOB in the boat!!

The fish spun through the trolling motor shaft on three seperate occassions in which I had to quickly lift up the Terrova and let the line release…..

Finally after about 10 minutes we captured the beast in our Big Kahuna!! Bob dropped to his knees in the front of the boat and yes…….For a brief moment two grown men…….Caught up in the moment shared a BRIEF “Man Hug”.

I Walked the Big Kahuna handle down into the well of the boat and handed the net to Bob asking him to hold onto that Monster while I gather my needed fish pliers and camera!! All the time Bob was seeking my advice on whether to put it on the wall!?

Minutes later while the fish remained in perfect condition recovering in the massive “Big Kahuna” I removed Bob’s Blue Max Rap. We went over the game plan for the picture and I slid this monster out of the net and handed her to Bob!!

40 Inches and tight to 20lbs!! True Trophy Bob……YES Here on Rainy Lake.

After a couple quick Pictures I placed her back in the Frabill “Big Kahuna”. We talked about Bob’s intentions for a possible mount. Bob decided the fish would swim and fight again, and hopefully provide the excitement we enjoyed for another angler. Possibly…..Another “Man Hug” will take place in the solitudes of Rainy Lake when landing and releasing the beast!!

Congrats Bob!! Your replication of your personal trophy will look wonderful. The pictures and proper release will only add to the memories!! Frabill’s “Big Kahuna” continues to capture the dreams of Rainydaze GS Customers Monsters!!

Here’s the final pic of Bob’s big girl before the hoop was dipped lowin the water and the fish thrust forward out of the net and etched in our big fish memory bank.

Fun story! Sounds like another great time. Truly what makes a great trip is the memories that last after the trip ,and it does not have to be a trophy necessarily ,but that definitely makes it better. “Man-Hugs” ? I am thinking that should probably stay “in the closet” Stay after em

that story is awesome, the story itself is great, how it was told however, hilarious!

im still laughing about it… rod up bob, rod up! “lower unit graveyard” lmfao!

Great read as always Chris!

That’s truly a fish story that will be told for years to come! Thanks Chris for making me smile.

Quote:

---

Well I’ll admit there was a BRIEF “Man Hug” in “Sho-Time” yesterday.

---

We might have to set some ground rule prior to going cat fishing Chris!!!

Awesome pictures CG!

I love a happy ending!

WS

Quote:

---

Fun story! Sounds like another great time. Truly what makes a great trip is the memories that last after the trip ,and it does not have to be a trophy necessarily ,but that definitely makes it better. “Man-Hugs” ? I am thinking that should probably stay “in the closet” Stay after em

---

LOL!! Your probably right Andy.