All's well that ends well...2-22 at Hodges

[tomnilll]

Decided to grab a boat and give more of the lake a try than I usually have access to walking the shore. Went with my buddy Chris (gotta have someone to drive the boat...). Day started with @Pourboy @Early release intros at the boat launch, was great to meet in person! Then we drove all over the lake generally working towards the dam and threw spinnerbaits, crankbaits, jigs, texas rigs, even drop shots with no luck...around noon we headed towards the other end with a misguided stop in the shallows...and ended up way over by the big rock wall with the submerged (only partially now) tree. This is where the skunk was washed off...only just...

Anyway 1 is better than none, and it was 2 pm and time to return the boat (which is BS, but that is for another time/topic). We decided that we were not done yet, so threw a couple worms at the dock and then drove over to the Hernandez side and parked for a walk. Went up to the power station and tossed a couple worms in the corners and then...from the deep came a very aggressive pickup followed by my equally aggressive hook set. It came to the surface and I saw the mouth and started to think more and check my drag and all the dumb things you should do ahead of time but never do...when I realized the fish and I were on opposite sides of the boom. Now the wheels really started cranking and after a number of quickly dismissed crazy plans I came up with: I'll just have it jump the chain...simple enough, right? I gently brought her? up to the outside and gave her all the encouragement she needed and sure enough, out of the water and with my continued encouragement over the chain she went. (I switch to "she/her" now since I have become quite fond of her by this point) the rest was simple enough and the result was exhilarating! Here is the result...2 pics since I am so proud of myself...

[otaymichael]

great story, all's well that ends well.

[Early release]

Glad you had a good day. Chris got one 3.5 pounder on a deep diver, I blanked for the day. We did have a great time driving around the entire lake and searching for fish. Also saw someone who caught a 50# catfish. It was an incredible fish.

[JWall]

Outstanding fish after a notable battle!

[Dannicus]

Awesome post mate!! Nice fish!! Fun day!