Mud Monster - PB Pike
 

Last week, I decided to head back to a spot on the river I was convinced had to be good, but had never had much luck at. I casted for a while with no love and was pretty much zoning out while slow rolling the swimbait along the bottom when I thought I hit a snag. I lifted the rod tip to try to pop it free and my drag started screaming as the fish ran a good 25 yards across the river.

I immediately knew it was a big fish and after a few minutes I had her at my feet. She had completely inhaled the 8 inch swimbait I was throwing.

Luckily there was a stump right next to me, so I got my camera set up, grabbed her (I didn't register how big the fish was until I realized how easily my hand slid under the gill plate and I saw the size of its fins when I took it out of the water haha), snapped a few pictures and got her back in the water. I forgot the measuring tape at home but marked the length of the fish on my rod. When I got home and measured the length it was just over 38"

https://i.imgur.com/5WOwr46.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/TdCN9ll.jpg

I went back to the same stretch in the canoe a few days later and stuck this nice pickerel in the same exact spot as the pike.

https://i.imgur.com/roekW8m.jpg

Re: Mud Monster - PB Pike
 

Way to go Nick!

Re: Mud Monster - PB Pike
 

Congratulations bud!

Re: Mud Monster - PB Pike
 

Nice fish nick and great story of how you caught him!

Re: Mud Monster - PB Pike
 

Looking good to hit a 40 this year :cool:

Re: Mud Monster - PB Pike
 

Nick with the PB Pike! Love this! That’s a beautiful fish bro! Well done! Keep throwing lures over 6-8 inches. It’s a good time!!!:D

Re: Mud Monster - PB Pike
 

Hell yeah man!!! Sweet catch!! Congrats on the new PB!!

Re: Mud Monster - PB Pike
 

awesome man

Re: Mud Monster - PB Pike
 

Nice fish!!!! That pickerel is eating good!!

Re: Mud Monster - PB Pike
 

I've been waiting for this post!! :D This is what used up all your fishing luck for the trout trip :D A true NJ monster, way to go man!