On June 6th, 2010, I experienced an improbable catch that I will remember for a lifetime. It was early morning, around 7 a.m., and I was fishing a bass tournament with the local Lakes Area Bassmasters. I was fishing in the same boat as my dad, and we were on a few bass in 8-10 feet of water. I was pitching a half ounce bullet sinker with a Texas rigged Berkley Chigger Craw. Tap, Tap. The much anticipated indication that a bass had picked up my bait. I set the hook and started to real in a keeper bass. As I was reeling in, I felt my fish get extremely heavy. "Sweet", I thought. This could be a big one.

Hoping for a big fish, I was taken aback when my fish came boatside. All that I saw was a huge muskie swimming gingerly alongside our Ranger. I quickly looked around and flagged down three guys who were obviously fishing for muskie. "I need some help! You guys have a muskie net?!" I yelled. They replied a quick "yes" and began to move towards us. I thought I had hooked into this muskie and I really didn't want him to break my line and take with him one of my go-to baits. I decided to play him out gently with the hopes of landing him.

The three guys pulled alongside our boat with the net ready. As I maneuvered this large beast, I noticed something extremely interesting. The only reason I had this muskie on the line was because he had my bass sideways in his mouth! All of us couldn't believe it and we were eager to land the fish, both of them.

As I brought the muskie and bass closer, the muskie unhooked his razor sharp teeth and released my bass. On instinct, I moved my bass in a figure 8 pattern and the muskie turned sharply around. For some reason I decided that I should now get my bass out of the water. As I lifted the 14" largemouth, the muskie jumped 2 feet out of the water and grabbed my bass again! He nearly pulled my pole from my hand so I gave the fish some line. I again muscled the fish towards the helpful boat and thankfully they were able to net both the bass and the muskie. Everyone was extremely excited and all were glad to have witnessed this event. Boy, do I wish I had this event on video!

I have to say "thank you" to the guys that helped us out. My little bass net would have been no match for this 42" muskie. Also, one of the guys took a picture of this fish for me and graciously emailed it to me, as of course I didn't have a camera.

What a day, what an event...This is why I fish.

42" Muskie

Thanks for reading. To read more about my fishing tournaments and adventures, check out www.teambassackwards.com!

Carl Spande