I was fishing today for BG using a piece of Gulp earthworm on a 1/32 oz jig on a ultralight Ugly Stik. I got a bite that at first thought was a LMB until this fish started stripping line. It made at least seven runs maybe more before I got it landed. I was trying to get it in and then back in the water as fast as possible because I remembered that George says these fish don't survive very well after being caught in warm water. My water temps are in the 80's. I got him back in the water but about ten minutes later he was floating belly up. After retrieving him I decided I would get my camera and take a couple pictures. This HSB was stocked in 2007 at 4-5" in length.
Tom, let me congratulate you on your trophy � a ~23 inch ~7+lb HSB on UL tackle should qualify as some kind of private waters record and
It must have been on heck of a battle and your angling skills are to be commended. I can imagine the fight you had on your hands, and even if it fought �til it died, it should have had the honor of respected guest at the dinner table.
It must be a northern thing because I can�t imagine UL fishing in any of our Texas waters � guess it�s a water temp thing.
I don�t give advice but always happy to share experience.
You may or may not know, my main pond goal was to attempt to grow HSB in Texas farm ponds with the skeptics advising against it, but by trial and error I was successful in reaching my goal.
It has often been repeated on the forum to stop fishing for HSB when the water temp reaches 80 degrees because HSB will fight �til they die unless landed quickly, revived and released. I go one step further and resuscitate in an oxygenated live well. To the best of my knowledge, over the years I have only lost one large HSB using this technique.
In order to achieve my goals I take all the precautionary steps.
I am strictly a fly fisherman because it provides versatility and challenge.
For HSB I use at least 8wt or larger rods with leader/tippet not less than 12 lbs. I still get a good run � sometimes into the backing, landing them quickly and if stressed from warmer water, resuscitate them in O2 live well with a Point Four diffuser.
It is my belief that all CPR fish should be landed quickly and released, not only HSB but also LMB and even trophy BG�s. Just because they swim away doesn�t mean they survive.
Again, congratulations on your trophy HSB.
