Finally something to write home about! New PB

[RyanMac14]

Hey gentlemen. Long time, no post so here comes my classic novel. Not because I haven't been fishing, just figured no one want to see trips of a dozen micro bass under a pound. With the birth of my third in April, fishing has become relatively more scarce, atleast compared to you maniacs. So the trips I do get I stay local and beat up on the baby bass instead of going for quality. Today was no different, except big mama of the pond paid a visit. This is the local park pond that I always get ragged on here for, but has given me a 5+ pounder and now a 6+pounder in 2 years. Weeds are of course bad already so I was chucking 50 yard senko bombs to a fishy looking part of the pond that isnt accessible on foot even with waders. Less than a half hour into the trip, I send one out and as soon as it hits the water it starts to take off to the side, as soon as I set the hook, she shot straight to the surface for one of several big jumps. No matter how much I tried to keep her down, she was leaping out higher than any fish I've ever caught regardless of size. Seeing how massive she was after the first jump, I was already shaking and yelling holy shit which is rare for me as I normally keep my composure. She peeled drag like I've never had seen before and after a couple minute fight, I had her. Couldnt help but fall to my knees in the water as i grabbed her. I've caught a few 5s before and she was so much bigger that i thought I had over a 7 atleast. Luckily I remembered the scale this trip and she weighed in at 6.15. PB by over half a pound. Even luckier, some random walker decided to be tramping through the woods as I lifted her so I yelled over and asked for a quick favor of a few pics. Got some beautiful pics of a beaut of a fish that I most likely won't beat here in NJ. Dont mind the looks of me, wasnt expecting a photoshoot today. Miss you maniacs and tight lines!

Bonus pics of the little guys I have to catch 12 of just to catch 1 2 pounder per trip. Still love every minute of it

[Hookmanski]

NICE bucketmouth! Always a blast landing them when you weren't expecting it

[rwp2101]

That’s a hog right there! In the classic words of Roland Martin, “WHOA SON!!!” It’s about the journey, but who says you can’t enjoy the milestones, right? Heckuva fish bro and nicely done. It’s all the sweeter when you put in the time and do it on your home pond.

What time of day did you catch it and what were the conditions? Did you see bluegill popping bugs off the surface at the time? Any signs the other bass in the pond, the micro ones were feeding at the time? I’ve always wondered if the apex bass eats at the same time as the others.

[MudCat08]

That is a BASS! The size of the head on that fish is the same as the angler's haha

[RyanMac14]

Caught it on a senko watermelon with red and black flake. Caught her at about 7ish. Today there was nothing busting top water at all. And generally there fishing was slow..land 5 or 6 in 5 hours. Thanks guys. As i have been looking at the pics and videos all day, while I feel lucky to have broke the 6 mark, she just looks so much bigger than my 5 and a halfs. She really is a good looking fish. Even with the wounds on the side.

[thmyorke1]

that's a certified bucket ! local ponds ftw

[AndyS]

Congrats on the PB !

[RyanMac14]

Thanks Luke and Andy!!

[Gerry Zagorski]

Son!! That's a tank...

Great story and pics.. Felt like I was right there with you...

Brought back a great memory of Mirror Lake in Edison which I used to fish when I was busy with work and kids and could only sneak away for an hour or two. Never caught anything big there but it was therapeutic and where a guy I happened to meet taught me the art of rubber worming for Bass. Then this one day I made a long cast to a point across the lake like I’d done a 100 times before so I wasn't expecting much... As soon as my 6 inch electric blue Culprit worm hit the water, WHAM! A big swirl on top, the line starts going sideways so I set the hook and come tight. A few big jumps and with knocking knees I settle in for the fight. Could not believe my eyes when that fish finally came in sight after what seemed like and hour. I must have shook for another hour after measuring and releasing it, still kinda shaking as I recall the whole scene.

Thanks for the memory Ryan... If that lake where still there I'd be heading there right now but sadly it got filled in and there's a warehouse in it's place.

[RyanMac14]

Man Gerry, that story feels identical to mine. I felt like i saw your story and mine at the same time reading that. Glad I could bring that memory back for you. Can't wait to have this memory 5, 10, 25 years from now. Will never forget this feeling!