Last cast 11 lber

[NJ219bands]

Went carping in 82 degree Colonial Lake this evening on a hot, humid, cloudy day with a light south wind. Saw 3 other fishermen. My spot was covered with weeds, moss and algae, making fishing very difficult. Saw a small carp jump out of the water right in front of me. Threw out a can of corn for chum, then caught and released a painted turtle with Bowl and Basket whole kernel corn. Saw a water snake swim away from me as I waded back to shore to rebait. Hooked a big fish on my last cast of the day with 12 lb test Cajun fluorocarbon line on my very old Mitchell #300 spinning reel. It made a long run to my right and into a downed tree. Got lucky and pulled it out without breaking my line. Then it made a run around the aerator and my line felt like it was snagged. I moved up the lake and slacked off. The fish took out the slack, then I pumped and reeled without breaking my line again. After a very long battle, I finally beached an 11 lb common carp. The bottom hook of my 3 hook rig was missing. Two young women witnessed the entire event and took lots of photos and made a video.