Bragging Board: Surprise Hook-Ups, Personal Best Catches

May 08, 2017 By Game & Fish Online Staff

Editor's Note: Our popular Camera Corner bragging board features reader photos and stories from successful trips in the field or on the water, and Game & Fish loves to share them with our online readers.

Today, we share three reader stories about surprise fishing hook-ups which led to personal best catches.

Mutant Smallie

On the inaugural run of my nephew's new jet boat. It was tough fishing and we kept losing our equipment.

I got frustrated and reached into my tackle box and said I was putting on whatever I came out with. Came out with hair jig, 7 inches of bait.

Told my nephew "If I catch one, it is going to be a big one." Did not know how prophetic that comment would be. I caught the biggest smallmouth bass I have ever caught. It was exciting!

Catch Data

Taken At: Susquehanna River, Harrisburg, Pa.

Taken On: 04/14/2017

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First Tiger Muskie

While fishing for bass with light tackle and 8 pound mono line I hooked into a huge muskie using a small rubber worm.

I was very lucky to land such a large fish on such light line.

This was my first musky and I was super excited. We took a quick measurement (over 51 inches ) and quickly released the fish so that someone else may have a chance to catch a fish of a lifetime.

Catch Data

Taken At: Marsh Creek, Pa.

Taken On: 05/06/2017

With: John P Shuma

Flood Water Bass

The Tuesday after the FLW left town. Water was unusually stained caused by flooding.

Fished for about 3 hours of nothing, about to call it quits and BAM! Scrambled around to get my net, had to borrow a scale.

Biggest bass from Beaver, so far.

Catch Data

Taken At: Beaver Lake, Ark.

Taken On: 05/02/2017

With: Leo van Oudheusden

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