A Beautiful Sight Share0 Tweet Email Share on Facebook.Share on Twitter.Share on Google+ Tony Barletta South Plainfield NJ I was testing out a new reel/lure combo I had gotten the day before. I spent most of my time trying to hit dock corners looking for largemouth. I had no luck so I moved to a rocky shallow that I know for smallies. It was getting dark, around 8:45 pm. I was starting to space out. Cast, wait, retrieve with a pause. But this time I never got to the pause – slam! When I set the hook I felt some weight but not that much (a large rock bass?) Then it pulled hard – headed to the surface and jumped. I saw a huge profile – a white belly and bronze sides – a smallmouth. As I struggled with him, he jumped again – and then a third time. The whole time my pole tip is in the lake, desperately trying to keep him in the water. “I’m going to lose him” – runs through my mind more than once. I get him near the boat and he dives straight down. I feel tough with 12 lb test so I hold strong. I give just a little but break his momentum. Up and down a few more times and I finally get him in the boat. It was so dark that only then did I realize how big he was. A truly beautiful sight. I place him in the live well, head back to shore, get some pictures, and place him back in the lake. He rests for a moment, then turns around and swims off – the most beautiful sight of all. Species: Smallmouth Bass Date Caught: 07/03/2013 Kept / Released: Released Region of Catch: Region 1 Length: 21 inches Weight: Lure / Bait used: Lure | Firetiger Bomber 4- Share on Facebook.Share on Twitter.Share on Google+ Share0 Tweet Email Load Comments ( ) Don’t forget to sign up! Get the Top Stories from In-Fisherman Delivered to Your Inbox Every Week Entering your valid email address signifies you wish to receive our newsletter and have read the Terms of Service and Privacy Policy Even More Master Angler Show More ▶ Now on Tablets! Subscribe & Save! Temporary Price Reduction! Subscribe Now Give a Gift | Subscriber Services LIKE WHAT YOU'RE READING? Get 8 issues for the low price of just $8! Subscribe!