Tonight i decided i was going for the big one. I put on a 6lb leader and this attractor bug fly that is big and ugly but i thought might fool one of these brutes. After a couple casts I hooked a 12" creek chub. not very fulfilling but definately amusing.
A few minutes later i began to work around the pond. I made a short cast and let it sink right to the bottom (only 3 feet in this area). I began to slow strip line to make it look like a bug looking for cover in the cold water. My line picked up and began to move sideways. the creek chubs just hammer the fly so i thought this might be something good. I set the hook and there was a big wake and whatever it was bolted for deeper water.
After about 5 minutes of fighting this girl i was worried i was going to exhaust her but everytime she got close to shore she'd turn and jet to deep water. as seen here...
So I decided just to go for it, stepped into the water with my work boots on (anything to ensure a safer land/release for the fish) and put my hands on this 20" rainbow.
I don't know if you can see it that well on that picture so i added another of a close up of this fish. look at her chin. i guess at 10 or 11 she is starting to age a bit.
Anyway, thanks for reading this. I was/am pretty pumped.
I love trout fishing.
Thanks again
Keith
