Elation, Heartbreak And Misery...all Within 1 Minute

[GADawgs]

I decided to hit the local lake today after work and wanted to keep tackle and rods to a minimum to continue to learn how to fish a jig. I got my rod and jig box packed up with some bags of trailers and put the kayak on the car and headed out.

I hit traffic on the way as there is road work being done that I did not expect, oh well no biggie. Then I arrive at the lake to find a local fishing tournament just started, once again no biggie. I unload the kayak and grab the jig box only to find that I grabbed my spinnerbaits box instead....idiot. Well, at least I had a jig tied on and a couple of trailers. I unpacked and hit the lake.

I fished for about 3 hours with little success (about 4 bass all near 1 lb or under). The sun set so I put on my headlamp and started to paddle back in. As I was nearing a spot I have had some luck in the past I decide to stop and let the wind drift me by to make a few final casts for the night. After a few casts I hadn't even had a bite so I decided to make one final cast before I called it a night.

I tossed the jig out and let it sink. Nothing on the fall so I gave it a drag and hop. I felt some weight so I reeled down and set the hook. The hook set was met with a big pull and I knew I had a decent fish on. After a short fight I see a flash as the fish is trying to throw the jig and I realize that this will probably be a PB for me and I am very excited. I get the fish to the side of the kayak and reach down and get a finger in her mouth and start to pick her up to measure, weigh and photo. I did not have a great grip and the fish thrashed as I brought her out of the water and slipped from my grip and I heard a sickening snap. The line broke. In slow motion I watched the fish slide back into the lake and slowly turn on her side and return to the depths with my jig still lodged firmly in her upper lip.

My elation turned to heartbreak as I sat in shock for a while. Not having another jig to tie on I called it a night and packed up and drove home while thinking about that fish.

It would have been a new PB for me. My current PB is about 3.5 lbs and the fish tonight was a solid 4.5 maybe 5. Needless to say I am frustrated but also very excited to get back on the water and have another go at it. However this time I will change my leader to 15 lbs and do a better job checking my line for any knicks or abrasions. I am usually pretty good about it but was lazy about it tonight. That being said, remember to check your line and a net never hurts!!

[Mccallister25]

First off go Dawgs!! Sucks you lost your fish, especially if it was a PB, but at least your getting the feel for jigs and hopefully enjoying the process. Good thing is, a jig is a big bass bait, and can be work all year long!!

[PondHopper96]

At least it wasn't a long distance release!

[CJV]

Happens to the best bass fishermen in the world however that doesn't change the fact that it still stings. I have pretty much gone to using straight braid on all my jigs with the exception of dragging a football head I'll use a 16lb Sunline Shooter leader. When I'm pitching, swimming or punching it's straight braid for me I've had my fair share of heartbreaks.

[MCS]

I hate when they get within reach or in your hand only to flip back in the water. But look at the bright side, you are getting better fish than obviously you got before. This isn't the last 5 pounder your gonna get man. And on jigs....Nice work.