Leaderboard

Biggest fish I ever hooked was a tarpon. Girlfriend of mine at the time took me to see her father. He was a retired big wig from black and decker living in Bradeton Fl. He lived in a gated community on an island right on intercostal water way. We would wave at the sailboats as they floated by. Like any good TN country boy would do; I took my bass gear with me. Never know when the opportunity to wet a hook will arrive. Be prepared is my moto. Anyway, with water everywhere I was chomping at the bit to wet a line. First day by the pool, I kept noticing something big breaking right at the edge of the mango trees growing along the edge of the shoreline line. Off I went to get my gear. I figured nothing stood a chance againt me and my allstar med/ heavy graphite rod with a brand new shimano Curado reel loaded with 50 pound spider wire. I tied on my all time favorite bait pearl white zoom super fluke. Soon the fish was breaking again . I casted just like my dad taught me and bullseyed the break ring. just a couple of twitches and the line was off and moving away fast. I reeled down set it deep. Thats when all hell broke loose. I have never seen a fish so big jump so high and make so much commotion in all my life. I did not know whether to stand my ground or run. After the initial shock, I decided to hold on for the ride. The fish would break then run at will about all I could was hold and pray nothing failed. The only thing saving me was the drag. After several minutes of this, to my surprise the fish finally tired and I was able to guide him to shore. I still had no idea what this animal was but he had gained enough respect I wasn't putting my hands in his mouth. The fish was bigger around than my thigh and longer than I was tall. I decided to let the him swim back out in the bay while my girlfriend ran for the camera. During this brief moment the fish mustered up enough strength for one more trick . He leaped from the water all nearly six feet of him cupped his body then with all his might snapped his head back and this was the last saw of him as he broke my 50lb spider wire. The next day in same spot I hooked another one( maybe the same one for all I know) on a rapala minnow. My favorite one at that . He showed me same trick . Never did get the photo...... or the fish.............

Wiggle Warts must be tough to mimic. I've tried a couple of them and not had any luck yet either.