These brutes are considered one of the greatest fighting fish in freshwater and can grow to more than 50 pounds. They are known for their fierce strikes on top water lures and flies.
Name that fish!
UPDATE: Black Bass is correct (although they call this one a Spot Tail Bass). They are commonly found in Papua New Guinea. Both the black and spot tail bass are members of the family Lutjanidae, commonly known as freshwater snappers. Nice job Eric! (AGAIN!)
This is the first I’ve heard of this strange condition that can affect both smallmouth and largemouth bass. Little is known about the cause of these markings even though this condition was first observed in the 1980s. It is believed that this hyperpigmentedmelanosis may be a result of catch and release or is a natural defense mechanism against environmental contaminants. There isn’t a lot of conclusive evidence to support either theory 100 percent, but considering both pollutants and catch and release have increased over the years, you expect that these blotches would be extremely common by now.
“The marks seem to eventually disappear, suggesting they may be part of a skin or slime repairing process. I’ve also noted that they seem to disappear faster from smaller adult bass. The largest fish seem to hold them for at least two years.”
I’ve managed to break a few rods in my day (more on that another day), but never on a fish. From the size of this grouper, I’m not surprised it shattered this guys rod!
I’ve read legendary tales of giant pike swimming European waters hundreds of years ago. I love the idea of there being humongous versions of the fish we catch today, but until I see some real evidence I can only assume that sea monsters like this simply don’t exist, and probably never have. I stumbled across the art work of John Sibbick the other day while doing some pike research and this illustration jumped right out at me. A giant pike from a Finnish folk tale.
It’s a great image, but if you want to be technical, its actually a muskie (judging from the pointed fins).
Typically bolt cutters are used primarily by pike and musky fisherman. When a big toothy fish is hooked deep, often the best option for the fish (and you) is to simply cut the hooks and get the fish back in the water with minimum stress. Of course, situations needing cutters may come up with any species, or may even come in handy removing a hook from your hand. Every fisherman should have a good set, and in Canada, Canadian Tire has a nice set of 8 inch bolt cutters for $4.99. Now these may not cut some of the larger size musky hooks, but they cut through a 4/0 hook (I just tried!).
If you live in Canada, near a Canadian Tire, there is not reason you shouldn’t go buy these ASAP. (unless of course you have some cutters)
Does your wife or girlfriend hate the fact that you fish? Does she get on your case about the amount of time you spend out on the water and with your friends? I bet you wish you knew how to get her to stop complaining, or even better, how to get her to go on the occasional trip with you. Look no further- you’re about to get some really great advice from someone (a woman no less!) who went from an anti-fishermen to being a passionate fisher(wo)man within a couple of months.
