Foul hooked fatty
 

Did some bushwhacking along the Raritan yesterday between 6:30 pm- 8:00 pm. Started with a rainbow trout Rapala. While retrieving the lure from the bottom I noticed a depth change and decided to concentrate there. Switched to a jig. Then after several tosses I ended up hooking this channel in the pectoral fin (unintentionally).
The foul hook made for a hefty fight to say the least. Good thing I was using a sturdy 6ft medium action. She did at one point get hung up on submerged debris close to shore. I opened the bail for a few seconds, flipped it back, and felt she was still there.
Once at the bank, I lipped it, got the hook out of its fin and did a quick weigh and pic. Shaky hands and all. Came in at 6 lbs.
The fish seemed perfectly fine. Just felt bad it was hooked in the fin.

Re: Foul hooked fatty
 

Oof thats the fattest cat ive seen from the Raritan. Big belly. Nice fish

Re: Foul hooked fatty
 

You should see the Cats we pull out the Raritan in Edison! Over the past 30 years the river really has bounced back.

Re: Foul hooked fatty
 

Full of 4 inch rainbows perhaps?:D

Re: Foul hooked fatty
 

I believe you, I see plenty in the fish ladder camera, show us the pictures of the ones you've caught. Ever get flatheads?

Re: Foul hooked fatty
 

Of course people are quick to say all the fish are gorging on 4 inch Rainbow Trout, and rightfully so as fish are opportunistic feeders. But you would be surprised what it takes to get fish off their "regular" diet they have become accustomed to. I think those small trout would become forage for birds more than likely. Nice Catfizz btw !