Paddle-Fishing.com

Well, I got lucky and am blessed to catch such a beautiful fish on a gorgeous morning. I have been testing out the new Old Town Predator MX, which I purchased to stand up in and it has a comfy seat. Wanted a basic kayak with no hatches and open cockpit – perfect for fly-fishing. We were seeing fish roll here and there so I let myself drift as I blind casted to get more comfortable standing and casting. Then about a 150 feet from me, 3-4 poons roll and are heading straight for me. I am thinking if they stay on course, I might have a chance. Still casting, they surface again about 75 feet out and still on course. I have a cast out there and retrieving when I think – do I pull in and cast again or hope I am in the zone. I chose to be patient and leave the cast out there and strip slower. I had about half the line stripped in and my fly was probably about 10-12 feet down with my sinking tip. Then it happened – STRIP, STRIP, STRIP – BAM!!! GAME ON! I set the hook while still standing, and I don’t know when but I am sure I sat my butt down real fast as she headed west. I remember just trying to make sure the 30 foot or so of line in the kayak did not get tangled in my feet and hands as it shot out through the guides like a bat out of hell. I was into my backing in a heartbeat. Got about 4 or 5 beautiful jumps from her, and after 19 minutes she was boat side and lipped. After a quick pic and a little reviving, she shook from my hand and was off. She surfaced about 30 seconds later for some air and seemed to wave good bye with her tail as she swam off. So glad to see that.
Broke my Sage rod again for the second time, but the experience was priceless!
Want to thank UT and Mark for the assistance and pics….
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Congrats Walt!

Nicely done mate

Great job, Walt. That is a quick fight.

He whipped her like a real pro. I didn't just read about it, I was there!

Sweet, nice job.

Great fish! Great Job! Well Done.

Beautiful fish....aren't they all? Well done Walt...BTW...what is the beam on that craft?

34'' Norm

Vetty nice sir!

Phenomenal!