UNBELIEVABLE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Saturday, what a day!

I made plans to fish early Saturday am with live eels along the Elizabeth Islands. I was planning on leaving at 3:45 to go to Fiddler's, but after I had a fishing dream I woke up at 3 am and got ready really slow and left Fiddler's for the Elizabeth's at 3:30. It was a beautiful night and the moon made it not really that dark. I started off at my favorite spot at Naushon, but nothing was there. Tried another point and nothing. Got to a spot almost at Robinson's Hole and on the third cast or so, BAM!! My 10' Tsunami Trophy was completely bent over and the drag was screaming. After a lengthy battle I finally got a look at the fish and could not believe my eyes at the size of both the tail and the head of the fish. Once the fish saw the boat it took off again and made the drag scream once more. I finally got it to the side of the boat and it was clear that it was done fighting. I put one hand in the mouth and attempted to lift the fish into the boat. Now I know I am not that strong, but I certainly have never had to use two hands to lift up a fish. After failing on my first try I got two hands on the mouth and hoisted her into the boat. I was in awe at the size of the fish and I immediately wanted to weigh it. I got out the Boga Grip and it read 35 lbs. My new personal best!! I took a couple pictures with it next to my rod for reference, but honestly it does not do it justice. I looked for the tape measure, but when I couldn't find it quickly I decided to get her back in the water as soon as possible to revive her. It did take a while, but her fins were upright and I waited until she really kicked strong to let go of her tail. If I had stopped fishing right then I would have been completely content, but it was only 5:20 at this time. A couple casts later and I am on again. I was immediately taken back by how hard this fish was fighting as well. After a great fight I get the fish close to the boat and I get the Boga Grip right in its lip. 26 lbs!! Let her go without really leaving the side of the boat. Next fish still fought nice, but came in really quick. A nice 10 lb. bass. Unfortunately, this fish inhaled the eel and the hook was really far down in its throat. I got it out, but she was really bleeding a lot and rather than take the chance I decided to keep the fish. I found my tape measure and the fish measured out at 29". At this point I had one more eel left and after a few more casts I am on to a big fish again. I got the fish to the boat and this went really smooth. I was able to get the Boga in the lip quick and the hook immediately came out on its own. Phew. I gave her a quick lift and she came out to 31 lbs!! Incredible, three of my biggest fish ever in one morning! The fish was able to take right off after holding her in the water for only a couple seconds. Usually I try and hold them for awhile, but I was unable to do so because she kicked her tail so hard. After I was done with the eels I switched to Hogy's. I tried a few sizes and did get some bumps, but no hook ups. The tide was going slack and I knew i had a sizable ride home and road race to run at 10 am. Road race at 10 am? Yup!!

The Paul White road race is a 5 mile charity race and I found out the day before that it was happening. I was very nervous to run in a road race. The last road race i ran I think i was eight years old or so and i did not even finish it. I was very surprised at how hot the road got. I usually run in the morning or in the evening when the sun is pretty low, but this was 10 am and the sun was up and there was not much shade during the run. I was proud that I was able to achieve my goals. 1. Finish 2. Don't stop. 49 minutes and change was my time. Right around a ten minute mile.

I promise I will post a picture of the fish, I am in Reading for a few days and brought my camera, but I forgot the cord to upload to the computer.