Beat my 40 mark +++

[Van]

I've been catching plenty of fish in the 30s all the way up to 38 for the last few years, but could not break 40.

Broke it big time yesterday. 48 pounds 48 inches. Old style fish. lb/inch. Girth was around 44.

I almost stayed in bed when the alarm went off, we had a party the night before, but I hadn't fished all weekend so pulled myself up and went.

After only a short while zzzzzzzzzzzz. Fish just kept taking line, then finally slowed but stayed deep for the most part. She did come to the top for a second and trashed, but then dove again. So glad I didn't lose it at that time because I could see the size even from a distance. Once to the boat, she just rolled over and let me pull her over the side. I couldn't believe it she was huge and sooo fat. I measure the length at 48 and thought it can't be over 40. NOT... My cheap electronic scale was reading 47-49 with the boat swaying.

Official at the weigh in was 48.0 lbs, 48.0"

My good friend Juls was out for some much needed R and R and came by for the photo op when I called her with the news.

Now I have to break 50. This only took 40 years of fishing, so I should be around 95 years old when the next one comes.