Finally got a beast! Passaic River 9/22...

[Skunk City]

Got a late start today due to a night celebrating( ) my fishing buddy's birthday, but was on the water at my spot around 11am this morning. Tossed spinnerbaits for about 2 hours with nothing to show for my work but two follows from mid-20's Pike. After fighting the wind all day, I was about to pack it in when this monster decided to pick a fight with me. This fish was bigger, stronger, and more pissed than any fish I've ever caught in freshwater. Made 2 drag peeling runs, tail-walked out of my net, drenched me, and smacked my GoPro before making his way back to the water. Fish measured out to 38" and was thick. My new personal best and an absolute HANDFUL in the kayak. Pictures came out a bit blurry from it splashing the camera, so I've posted a video also.

I'd like to submit it to the state's Skillful Angler program, but I'm not sure if they'll accept it with the semi-blurry photo .