I spent last week camping in Michigan, and we fished every day. Caught a lot of nice smallmouth, some huge rock bass, a great walleye (on a wacky rig...first time for that!), and a few small pike. The bite was on and off, but when it was on it was GOOD! My boys and I had a great time and got some great fish, but I really wanted a big pike.

Last time we were up there I caught a great one...probably 36" long. I was really hoping to repeat on this trip, or do better. Before we left I went out and bought some brand new 15lb braid, as well as some steel leaders, big swivels, and big spinners. I wanted to be prepared.

We took the camper and I couldn't tow the boat at the same time, so we were fishing out of our bargain-basement kayaks. On our last night up there I'd just about given up. We'd fished for hours over the past five days and I'd seen no sign of a big pike...not even a bite on the spinner.

We had about 30 minutes until sundown and I was fishing with my bass rig when there was a big disturbance in the water about 10 feet from the boat. It was pretty calm, and I wasn't seeing any other fish activity on the surface anywhere, but this sucker was clearly big...big enough that he didn't care about me or the boat.

I frantically started trying to put away my wacky rod and switch to the one with the spinner. I got that done just as there was another violent boiling of the surface about 10 yards in front of the boat. I cast out there and immediately hooked up. It bent my rod about in half and began circling, then came straight back for the boat. The water was pretty clear and I got a solid glimpse of this monster about as big around as my leg and almost 4' long. Then it dove for the bottom and tried to go under the boat. I pulled up to try to stop him, and the next thing I know I'm sitting there looking at the end of my brand new 15lb line dangling in the water. He took the swivel, leader and lure with him...and he was gone.

It hurt to lose that fish, but at the same time it was awesome just to have him on. Back to work tomorrow morning...I'm sad it's over .

My son with one of his smallmouth:


And him trying to hold a little pike for a photo, it jumped back in right as I pressed the button lol:

HAHA! I love the transition from 1st to 2nd pic.

Was it Catfish Hunter?

As you now know. Your drag is your friend. And 15lb line is pretty light for big fish. 30lb would of been appropriate for a pike like that.

quote:

Originally posted by old rugged cross:
As you now know. Your drag is your friend. And 15lb line is pretty light for big fish. 30lb would of been appropriate for a pike like that.

Cleary I underestimated it....but it's a freaking pike not a grouper! Next time I'll definitely go heavier.

15lb braid should’ve been plenty if your drag was set. What type of knot did you use connecting the braid to your swivel? A palomar knot is a must for that connection.

4’ pike and a 10’ kayak? You’re gonna need a bigger boat. How long was your leader? Looks like good times though.

Lake Independence?

You're gonna need a bigger boat.

(Can't believe I'm the first one to post that.)

quote:

Originally posted by RichardC:
You're gonna need a bigger boat.

(Can't believe I'm the first one to post that.)

I can’t believe it either.

Sorry for your loss......

Still, great photos and great memories that will last a lifetime. Your written description was wonderful; what a great time to be there on the water! Nothing is better than fishing peaceful, still waters and it makes me happy to see and read about you and your family out there enjoying them.

quote:

Originally posted by trapper189:
Lake Independence?

Indeed

quote:

Originally posted by trapper189:

I can’t believe it either.

___________________________

92fstech, next do the flying silver carp!

quote:

Originally posted by chbibc:
Sorry for your loss......

Still, great photos and great memories that will last a lifetime. Your written description was wonderful; what a great time to be there on the water! Nothing is better than fishing peaceful, still waters and it makes me happy to see and read about you and your family out there enjoying them.

Yeah, it was awesome. Still wishing I was back up there...

quote:

92fstech, next do the flying silver carp!

I've seen videos on them doing that on the Wabash river, which is just south of us. I should drag the boat down there and see if we can replicate it, lol.