Not even close. Saltwater fish are far superior in speed and strength.
A 2 lb pompano tied fin to fin with a 2 lb bluegill would drag the bluegill down its migration up the gulf without even knowing it was dragging a bluegill along.
5 lb redfish dominates a 5 lb carp.
8 lb little tarpon or snook on conventional gear will fight 6-8 times longer than an 8 lb largemouth.
10 lb barracuda is twice the battle as a 10 lb muskie or northern.
20 lb tuna will wear you out when using the same tackle as catching a 20 lb salmon or trout.
George, nice Bonito! About 8#? That must have been fun on the fly.
Scott, I’ll take 8lbs – ... you and Travis and Nate and I know that Bonita don’t normally grow much over 10lbs. Pound for pound, they are the toughest fighters and fastest fish that I have ever fished for.
For a few years I would charter a Bertram 35 ft twin diesel sport fishing boat for my wife and sons for blue water sport fishing. It was captained by the best captain in the busines. The boat was owned a professional blue water tournament fisherman.
A couple of fishing buddies and I would also charter the same boat to make annual fly fishing trips for blue water species, as well as hire a guide for flats fly fishing for redfish and specs.
I caught a trophy King Mackerel on the fly and our captain said that was the quickest he had ever seen one landed, and couldn’t believe it was on fly tackle. It was the talk of the marina the next day.
I fished my favorite Sage 12 wt heavy saltwater fly rod and fly reel with 300 yds of backing. It’s true, you can land a big fish on a fly rod quicker than on a stiff boat rod because the fish is fighting the rod – not only the fisherman.
Memories are great.
Fishin' the oil rigs - anchored shrimp boats were my favorite
