snapping turtle. Damn thing tried eating my plastic ZOOM minnow.
I was able to haul it up off the bottom (although I think it wanted to see what was pulling it up) but was unable to free the hook.
Oh, I could reach the hook, but it could also reach my hand in the process!
I cut the line and sent it on its way.

It happened to be the third such beast I saw that day within a 100 yard stretch of river.

Was it a personal best? You had leader so official catch.