Nice cat on 2lb mono

[Brittany Chukarman]

I hooked this cat while fishing for bluegill 45' deep. It happens fairly often but the bigger ones usually break off, sometimes intentional. It was a long, deep battle. At one time I could feel the line rubbing on the anchor rope and thought it was all over but I followed him around and he didn't break off. After about 20 minutes the telltale bubbles came up signaling he was about done. A couple more runs and I was able to net it. Beautiful fish, not a sore or blemish on it. I don't keep cats that size but he was so clean I was tempted. I put the net in the water and he slowly swam off, heading for the deep.
I did keep 24 big bluegill to drop in the oil.

 

[Sask hunter]

That would be a fun fight!

 

[Brittany Chukarman]

That would be a fun fight!

It really was. I hooked him in the back of the boat and my big net was in the front. I worked my pole through the canopy struts and straps to get to the front. That's when he got into the anchor rope. He would make some strong runs and I would lift and reel down when I could. Really lucky the line never hit one of his spikes.

 

[Elkmagnet]

That fish looks air brushed. That fight would be the highlight of my day!