I grew up in Iowa, where the cornfields are vast and wide and the people dwell mostly outdoors. One of my favorite things to do outdoors was to go bass fishing. My friends and I would pack up the cooler with soda and sandwiches and then hit the country road to ponds chalked full of fish.
We caught small to medium size fish, we mostly went for quantity of quality. I remember we would yell back and forth to each other when we caught a fish.. "NUMBER 5!" We did it for the thrill and to enjoy the outdoors.
I remember this particular time I went out to fish by myself. It was a quiet evening and I had nothing better to do. My buddies from High School were going out to Applebee's or something and I counted myself out to go fishing. I went to a local pond in my hometown that was about 3 blocks from a Wal-Mart, not the ideal choice but I thought I'd give it a shot.
I did the normal routine of starting at one corner of the lake and working my ways clockwise. I caught a few lil fish here and there but nothing to call my mom yelling about :)
UNTIL:
I made my way around to the other side which was a lot shallower than the rest of the pond. I was getting tied up in seaweed every other cast but didn't get discouraged- like I said I had nothing better to do.
I vividly remember casting my lure and feeling really good about it. Suddenly my lure stopped in its tracks. My first thought was, "Oh, great; another snag." Except, before I could finish that thought my line started to move side to side.
At that moment I had no idea what to think but I did know I had something big on the other end of my line. I kept the line tight and kept tugging.
I fought it closer and closer to shore until it was maybe 5 yards and that's when it really gave a big tug. I was afraid my line was going to snap! I set the drag until the fish pulled back out to where I first felt it hit and started all over.
(with big fish you really gotta tire them out)
Eventually, after a good 10min. of fighting this beast I was able to pull it closer to shore where, without thinking anymore, I jumped in the water after it and scooped it up like a fumbled football.
The result: A MONSTER BASS was landed and I actually had a crowd behind me watching/cheering on the bike path.
If you love to fish or just love the outdoors too then give me a follow- I have several more fishing stories I'd like to share.