Mike,sorry to say it buuuuut,that has happened to me last year same spot & drifting eels,I tried to slow her down but there was no stoppin I know the feeling
Sorry Brotha but that is what keeps us keeps us going back.
Mike,
Awful way to end a night but at least you were in the game and got to play with a big girl. Many will fish their whole life for that experience only to have fate shut the door on them without ever experiencing that feeling. Rest assured your knowledge and skill level was not at fault. It is these trying times that we reflect on and learn from and become even more profienct and skilled so next time the outcome may be different.
BTW- I was down current from you and slayed a huge 65 pounder. It had an eel and 200 yards of braid trailing it. Imagine that! Thanks for tiring her out for me. (This is in jest for those that are slow).
I am sure you are bumming Mike, it sounds like you lost a beast. But as Matt said, you know your stuff and are as well prepared as anyone out there. You'll be rewarded with something bigger down the line.
And then you can throw that one in the woods for the big bad wolf.
The charm of fishing is that it is the pursuit of what is elusive but attainable, a perpetual series of occasions for hope. ~John Buchan