Hello fellow fisherman and women. I got a chance to fish at rufus woods with some friends of mine from 3-14-03 to 3-16-03. Well anyway on 3-15-03 we gave up on trolling and started to bottom fish. We went into a cove just 10 feet of water. The water temp was 41 to 42 degrees I had my one rod all set up for trolling so I just grabbed my quantum micro ultra lite with 8Ilb trilene egg sinker 2 foot leader of 4Ilb gamakatsu line a number 10 gamakatsu egg hook I love them gamakatsu hooks. With a mix of crave and powerbait. Cast out by some old trees 4 to 5 feet from bank. I was sipping on my beverage when I notice my line just going away then my ultra lite rod started to bend so I picked it up started to reel in. I thought I had some weeds or a old boot on slowly reeling in got ten feet from the boat and wham my rod just started to bend over. I loosen my drag up and my reel was signing. I new it was a big fish due to the fact we caught some 3- 5Ilb fish already. The fish went bet!
when the boat and anchor line. I tried to get it to turn around with no luck. Had old Ted on top of the boat grab my rod just long enough for me to get up there. Once I was up there rod in hand Ted pulled up the anchor. The fish took off for chief dam in bridgeport. Dell the captain we called him started the boat in pursuit. know I got Harold, Ted and captain dell all telling me what to do and what not to do. I just said shut up. The fish finally come up and rolled like a whale really! That's when my knees just started shaking heart pumping I knew I had on old bohemis. we followed him for about 200 yards then he was making a run right at the boat. I reeled up fast then he went side to side and stopped. Just laying low. I could not horse him up as I had on 4Ilb leader just kept the drag set so when he wanted to go he did. I reeled very slowly he finally was coming up. Got him next to the boat and Ted went to net him and missed down he went. I told old Ted what till I till to net. Got him up again he just started to roll on his side I SAID KNOW... so the fish come up again I said know and Ted netted it. the fish was 32" long with 23.5 girth 22.5Ilb. the second biggest rainbow in Washington. I like to thank Harold, Ted and captain dell and the lord for I know with 4Ilb leader the fish could have been gone. I am going to send photo to fishing and hunting news with a story sure hope they print.

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