Lost Salmon, Caught Bass

[Bruce Litton]

I heard a whack, looked sharp to see rod in the holder doubled over--salmon leapt four feet, I grabbed rod...nice one..pumped."It's yours," I said to my son. "You sure?" Kept line tight as I passed rod back--but I knew connection couldn't be sure doing that. He reeled in the Phoebe.

We were out over about 40-50 feet of water, full speed, 55-pound thrust on canoe. That Phoebe right at surface, water 78 degrees. They're down about 30 feet, but they race up like lightening. We often see them bust herring on top in August.

We caught nine largemouths. Just let weightless Chompers worms on inset hooks slip on down through weeds, down to about 20 feet, all of our hits on descent. Three of mine over two pounds.

Can't wait for next time.