The One That Got Away

[Sea Dangles]

I've seen big fish lost in the first wave due to carelessness.Sometimes your on a rock and can't find a safe way to land that corker of a fish.There are some that,when wading will try to play a fish out when she's in too close and you get shaken off.There are all kinds of ways to lose fish, but I am talking about the kind of fish called a"picture takin' fish."You know what I mean she peels drag,makes your heart beat fast and you say to yourself"this is the one."
It happened to me this year, in front of a lot of good fishermen too!Some schools with a good class of fish had been discovered by some hard working friends at a certain tide stage.A group of us met for some early season action but it started quietly.An hour or more of nothing and then one by one rods started folding.I thought I was prepared with a stout stick and heavy braid.Many fish well into the 30# range had been battled with ease when suddenly I required more space.This fish could not be contained as easily as the others.Run after run as the crowd awaited proof of this battle.Then it was over.Gone,except for my slack line.A straightened out crap hook on an ill-conceived TSUNAMI shad with its TINY friggin' barb.Sleepless nights followed and now it is cold and my season is over.Do not over tighten your drag.Let the fish get tired.I like to think next time I'll get a picture with that fish and a lesson was learned.
Who else lost a big one this year?