It would be easy for me to say that my first 30lber was most memorable... 33lb 4oz... but looking back, its not the first thing that pops into my mind.
I think it was June and I was having a really crappy week at work (and at home if I remember correctly) and I cut out of work early one day to forget about everything and get some fish. I waded out onto my favorite schoolie flat and started working a slug-o. I caught a few small fish, missed a few... nothing great and apparently, not enough to relax.
I was crabby and tense and not having much fun.
On one of my final casts, with the lure almost all the way back, a nice bass exploded on my slug-o and took off down-current, suddenly it switched directions and when it turned, my lure pulled and flew back at me and over my head. At the same time the fish thrashed its tail soaking me (moderate soaking, hey, its better for the story).
I freakin' imploded/exploded and started cussin' and hurling insults at the fish, the spot, my hook and myself. I almost threw my rod at the fish... the closest I've ever come. After a minute, I just started laughing at myself for being such a jerk.
The fish was around 36" which is a darn nice fish for this spot and would have been great on my light outfit in about 2 feet of water.
But honestly, I think I felt alot better after losing the fish and throwing a fit, then I would have if I'd have caught it. It still makes me laugh... I guess you had to be there, although I'm glad none of you were.
Moral of the Story: Don't take yourself and fishing so seriously. We're out there to have fun, not to act like lunatics.
