I have fished off and on for quite a few years, mostly freshwater, mostly trout. During that time I have never really caught a fish that would give me any bragging rights and no matter what I caught, with in a short period of time my significant other would catch one larger.
Even in my own pond I have suffered the same fate.
But, as some might remember I stocked Barramundi, a fast growing predator that hits live bait and Rappala like lures. Thais don't like to use live bait and the lures are hard to come by, so I had a friend sent me a lure from Australia, it was a proven fish gitter, it had teeth marks all over it. I knew I had the answer, finally.

A picture of the lure and the trophy fish, didn't see it?

Rod and reel $120
Lure postage $7
Fish ridiculous