Some of yall aint gonna believe this!!!!!!!

[wiredhatred]

Today I fished a local dirt canal that I usually do. Caught 6 bass and it was getting pretty dark so I decide to call it a day and walked for the truck. I was just about to get to the truck when I hear what sounded like someone chucking a 20 pound rock into the canal. I turn quickly towards the giant splash noticing nothing but huge rings in the water about 100 feet or so away. I sat there thinking to myself, "what the hell was that???". After about 3-4 seconds of being extremely curious and confused, I see a pretty big muskrat rise to the surface. Not but 2 seconds later I see and hear the same lound splash and see the muskrat disappear. Thinking to myself and remembering what I have read on the internet, I recall an article about a certain fish that when feeding sounded like what I heard, and if im not mistaken, used close to the same description i did which triggered the memory. The muskrat again rises to the surface, only to be sucked down again a few seconds later. This time I see the culprit who is trying to get itself a decently large meal and comfirm what I have been thinking. I instantly recognized the beast when I seen its stripped and silvery scales. This striper was huge. The muskrat never resurfaced. I tried to catch the fish, and felt like kicking myself in the butt for leaving my big swimbait pole at home. Then again, after eating that im sure it was plenty full! What a day!!!

-Gilbert

[doomdart]

Where is Gustine, in FL? Sounds like you got a good look at the predator. Wasn't a gator I suppose. Muskrat can swim underwater for long distances and surface in a lair where you can't see them, but regardless of what the predator was, that is an awesome experience.

I heard a caller on the radio describe how he walked to the pond, saw a mother duck and her ducklings, and called his wife and daughter over. As soon as the young daughter stepped into view, a hawk swooped down and snatched up the duckling.

The guy was furious that God or nature had allowed this to happen in front of his daughter. Personally I think that the girl probably learned a valuable lesson in this world.

[wiredhatred]

Gustine, California actually. Im pretty close to the San Luis reservior and its forebay where the world record fresh water striper was caught. Just last summer someone caught a 60 pound fish on a fluke. I definatly believe you about muskrats being able to swim long distances underwater. This one was definatly getting attacked though. I usually see them do a little dive when they would go subsurface, this one was getting pulled down. Pretty funny though, mother nature is a beautiful thing, but sometimes such a b*tch.

Know anyone that makes a footlong muskrat swimbait?

Seriously though, this has made me consider getting an ms slammer or something similar, wakebait for sure. If im not mistaken, there is some swimbait that has a rather ratlike tail as apposed to the big hammer type tails. I think its one of those ac plugs or something. Definatly getting one now if i can find it. Maybe some small ones too, im sure bass eat the babies.

[MaddoxBay]

I think you need to talk to Nathan. He is a member here and he makes a killer rat bait. I think he also makes a bigger version of the bait.

I would talk to him if you are serious about a muskrat bait.

[Nathan]

Thanks Bobby..Hey Wired,did you get the pm I sent you about Gustine?....I spent alot of time on San Luis and the Forebay..Actually the land locked striper all tackle record and fly fishing record both came from the Forebay of the San Luis complex..Nathan

[doomdart]

60 lb. striper is simply amazing. What are you guys pumping into the water? I can imagine how a fish even half that size could think of taking on a muskrat.

[Palmetto Balsa]

Doom,

We have 45 to 50 pound Stripers caught here in Columbia, SC every year. You can cast from shore behind the zoo on the Saluda River. Best chance at big ones are early in the morning and late in the evening. The common catch is around 8 to 12 pounds but one or two people will land a big one each year. Topwaters, Bomber Glowing Long A, and 1 and 2 pound live shad swimming on a balloon rig are all good bets. PM me if you want to know where to go. I have not used them but their is a secret bait I will tell you about.

Nathan,

That Rodent bait was the first thing that came to my mind when I read the post. It should be the ticket for that big Striper.

Good luck Gilbert, this sounds like it could be your fish of a life time.

[doomdart]

PB, I have seen that very stretch of river and thought I would LOVE to fish there. Time constraints right now and for the last several years have prevented such a trip. Don't be surprised some day if I pm you out of the blue.

I have seen some mounts of 25-30 lb. striper caught out of Wateree. I have not seen anything near that size that came from freshwater around here.

There is something special about the central/southern part of SC. Lake Marion/Moultrie have recently produced some amazing fish (especially catfish from what I have seen in photos).

I must confess that I have NEVER even tried to catch a striped bass. That is one of those life goals I have...to catch a nice striper. I would be happy with 15 lbs. or something like that.

My ultralight and basic setups would be like spitting on a bonfire.