11/24 SB- Epic surprise catch

[crustyangler17]

Got some new trout mag colors in the mail the other day, tried out purple today on several spots along the south branch. First place i fished was cold and windy, making things very difficult. Still managed a little smallie, then headed to the next spot. Got two more smallies, all around the same size. A few casts later right before i was about to reel in after the drift completed, the float went down and i got the first and only bow of the day. Went to one last spot a few minutes upstream and fished the last half hour of sunlight. Nothing for a while, then the float went down. Upon setting the hook it felt like a snag but then the head shaking and giant golden grey flash made me think otherwise...carp! Fought the giant for 10 minutes, chasing it nearly 100 yards downstream. Luckily i got it to a nice bank to land it and take pics on. Looked around 18 lbs and measured 34.5". Amazing what 4 lb test can do when pushed to the limits