Unfortunatly this fish never made it to the surface.

Not long after this we had a pod of bottle nose show up and basically stopped all fishing.

Fun was had though

Where were you fishing? My gf was out on Lake Michigan this weekend and caught a 26" rainbow trout - the 4th largest fish for the event.

-Blue

Let me rephrase

the reef we were fishing was in 100" waters...the wave action was 2-4 feet

The reason this fish never made the boat was it made a run and got the line all wrapped up in the reef.

Let me get this straight, you were fishing in 100" waters. That's 8'4". You sure you weren't in 100'? 😉 Lucky bastid. I've been fishing once this summer. Only one time out since March, actually. It's damn near killing me!

-Mike

LOL you are correct it was 100 feet deep

"Unfortunatly this fish never made it to the surface."

becomes

"Your honor, my client practices catch and release. In fact, his practices are some of the most humane practices on the planet. He releases the fish well before they get into the boat, where they could be subjected to all manner of harm. This way the fish never leaves the water, and is free to return to his or her friends and family, virtually unharmed. My client pays a price for his compassion as well. He has lost thousands of dollars in lures in other fishing equipment. He does this expecting no reward other than the simple knowledge that the fish returns to its life and lives another day."

miketv...we were about 20nm south of Orange Beach AL sitting over a manmade reef(big pile of hurricane Ivan demolished bridge)

1) You have a better chance of actually landing the fish with a IGFA50 type setup.

2) There is less chance of a shark eating your fish; which will be near death tired after being fought of light tackle.

3) If you plan on releasing the fish; it has a much better chance of survival after a quicker battle.

4) Big gold reels are cool.

5) Even with a fifty, a big AJ will STILL kick your ass........IMO there is no sport lost.

I know one of them put my on my knees with the 1st strike . . .

WHAM !!!