The one that didn’t get away

THIS is one of the stories and catches of my trout fishing life that happened last Thursday, and I thought to share it.

I took the opportunity to head off for a fish by myself before dark. After four hours of fishing, I had landed one small trout and had little interest in the 200+ casts during that time. By now, it was well past midnight, and I was feeling flat. I had just re-tied a new leader and needed to put a jig head and soft plastic on.

Before I left, I grabbed an already rigged-up plastic and jig head that I had set aside with others after tying leaders at home from a previous trip. This plastic was a little different—it had a unique color enhanced from storing it with another soft plastic pack, making it one of a kind.

When retying my leader, I intended to rig it up and change tactics, moving spots to throw a few surface lures. But I thought to myself, “You can't just rig up a new plastic without seeing if it’ll work.” More or less, I talked myself into having a few more casts.

On the second cast, I snagged the bottom but managed to free it. On the third cast, after a flick lift just as it landed—bang!The hit wasn’t huge, just a normal tick, but I struck hard and set the hook. That’s when my rod buckled over.

I felt big head shakes and weight, realizing I was onto a good fish. Quickly and carefully, I reset the hook to ensure it was in properly. This can be risky and is often when a fish can be lost, but I was lucky. Then all hell broke loose.

The fish took off, peeling line off my reel at will. I’ve caught big fish before, but this one just said goodbye. There was nothing I could do but hang on, pray my knots were good, and stay patient while hoping the fish wouldn’t bust me off. The water flow was aiding the fish, and my forearm was burning.

The fish eventually slowed down, giving me a chance to recover. Without adjusting my drag, I began winding line back, though the fish took it right back out as quickly as I retrieved it. After about five minutes of this back-and-forth, I took my chance. I tightened the drag by two notches and repositioned my rod, resting the butt in my abdomen.

Using a tuna-fishing style, I started to gain ground. The adrenaline was indescribable. Just as I felt I was winning, the fish took off again. I had to loosen the drag, and all sorts of thoughts raced through my mind: Is the jig head bent? Are my knots holding? Is the hook set well?

After another long bout of patience, the fish began to tire. Turning on my headlight, I caught my first glimpse—a massive, monstrous male trout. It wasn’t over yet. The fast flow in front of me made this the most nerve-wracking part of the fight. The fish reacted to the light and surged again.

I had to adjust my grip and position, carefully playing the fish with both hands. I couldn’t see the jig head or plastic anymore, and I worried about the fish chewing through the line. After another five minutes of surface thrashing and circling, the fish finally lay on its side.

With one last adjustment, I swung it into the net and let out a massive roar of relief. Racing up the bank, I weighed the fish—it was a dream come true. At 7.845 kg (17.3 lbs) and 81 cm, this was the biggest male trout I’d ever landed and the second-largest trout of my life.

After taking a few quick photos, I focused on reviving the fish to release it. Holding this thick, spotted beast with its curved snout and big buck jaw was surreal. After a few minutes, it started kicking and showing more life. Finally, I let it go, watching it swim back into the depths.

Overwhelmed with emotion, I sat down, still shaking. I checked the jig head and plastic, finding them in perfect shape. This lure is now retired and will live in my pool room as a trophy of this unforgettable catch.

Fisheries Update
The Inland Fisheries Service released nearly 37,000 young Triploid Rainbow Trout last week into various waters. These sterile trout, sourced from Cressy's Petuna hatchery, grow quickly as they don’t breed. Brady’s Lake received the most (14,000), followed by Dee Lagoon (8,000), Lake Leake (4,000), Tooms Lake (3,800), Curries River Reservoir (3,800), and Brushy Lagoon (3,000). Tight Lines until next week!

Tip of the Week: Treble hooks can get tangled in nets during landing, costing time and patience. Use split ring pliers to remove the hook and ring, untangle them, and reattach them later.

Send your fishing reports, pics, and tips to valleyfishes@gmail.com and follow the Derwent Valley Gazette Fishing page at derwentvalleygazette.com