Think I am going to puke!

[NEANGLER]

We were up at Pelican lake for a vacation and daughter and I went out for a early morning of fishing. If I hook into something big I just hand it over to her to real in, more fun watching/coaching her than doing it myself. Took about 10 minutes and the way it was acting I thought it was a pike. Finally get it to the surface and its a huge Bowfin, biggest I have ever seen. We put it on the scale and it was teetering back and forth between 11/15 and 12#. For some reason I had it in my head that the record was closer to 15 so her and I decided to let it go. When we got home I happen to look up the state record and it was 11# 4oz!!! Did not have the heart to tell her, just told her that someday someone else will be able to catch that big fish and have as much fun as we did. So there is a state record swimming out there waiting for the next guy, just buy me a beer if you get her.

[mrklean]

i remember the story on here last summer a woman caught a big one that was like that 13-15 pound range i think tossed it in the garden, then looked and saw the record so they dug it up and tried to submit it i think. I dont remember all the details for sure but it went something like that

[Dylan33]

Thats a great story- could have had your daughters name in the record book, but the story and the memories are worth way more than a record IMO. Also, Great job on getting the kids involved and excited about fishing!

[Ralph Wiggum]

Sweet! No pics, though??? I'll bet that thing was a beat to bring in!!!

[solbes]

Bet it put up a GREAT fight. I had a 30 inch 10 pounder on the opener that I thought was either going to break my line or the rod. Up until a couple of years ago, this fish would have been in contention. A 12 pounder is a beast! Congrats to you and your daughter.

Unless it was the roughest of rough fish, I don't know that I would certify a new record anyway. Pics to generate some controversy are always good though.

[NEANGLER]

Only pic I got was with my phone and my daugther is standing by it in the boat, so not a great pic. Wanted to get it back in the water quickly since it was a long fight.

Can't tell you how special it was, she slept on the couch by the door so she could hear me leave in the morning so she could go. She popped her head up and said can I go with you? Said sure, get changed but be quiet not to wake her friend up that came with her(she did not like to fish anyway). Lake was like glass, had loons swimming around us, eagles flying over head, and we caught lots of fish. Had a school of about 100 sunfish under the boat that she was fascinated watching and catching. She was asking all sorts of questions, wanted to learn how to read the electronics, taught her how to lindy rig and she was even putting on her own leaches by the end of the morning.

My 12 year old is not so little anymore and it was nice to have that morning with just the 2 of us before she becomes a teenager and I become the dumbest person on the planet.

[merkman]

You ended up with more than any record in any book could even come close to.

That is what fishing is all about.

You taking the time to enjoy them now; rather than wishing you would have after it is too late, is what it is all about!!

[EBass]

Great story NEANGLER, she'll remember that fish forever and so will you.

[ANYFISH2]

sounds like the perfect morning! No fish can top your story, IMO! Thanks for sharing.

[JBMasterAngler]

The best part is, 20 years down the road when she's telling this story to her own kids, the fish will have magically grown to 17 pounds

[minnygriff]

Great story NEangler. That fish could definitely could be a record holder, however hopefully you will feel better knowing your catch would not have qualified.

A state record fish musy be caught by one angler with no assistance from others with the exception of netting the fish. You hooking the fish and your daughter reeling the fish in would nullify any state record qualification. I do not mean to diminish your fish, personally I think it is a much better story you two can both share. Just wanted to inform you in hopes you'll lose that puking feeling knowing the DNR would not have accepted the fish anyway, and it now swims to be caught again. Plus you can now inform your daughter you both caught a state record and not feel so bad!

[folke2000]

NEAngler

Congratulations on the momories made with your daughter. The story will be told by you and her many times.

Calm waters + spending time with your daughter + making memories = PRICELESS

by the way NICE FISH.

Folke

[gr82fish]

Great story, and thanks for sharing with us. BTW, which Pelican lake were you on?

[NEANGLER]

thanks guys, a day I will never forget - Pelican Lake in Breezy point/Pequot Lakes area.

[buddha]

Great fish and great story. The fins are fun to catch, especially when you think you've got a huge eye or pike. She's probably hooked now and it's time to focus on Bowfin and carp!

[kyleharty]

Great story, can't beat that bonding. My son is getting into fishing and it's as big a thrill to see him excited about the bluegill he's catching as getting something myself. IMHO, it's a good early lesson in conservation and catch and release as well.