Don't Ever Leave Home Without It!

[Rich]

It was a beautiful day today so Sugarpacket, Splenda and I took a walk through the park and downtown to enjoy the day (and stop at Dollarama again). Splenda had a ball as he is now learning to walk (soon comes the learning to use a fishing pole stage!).

 

 

Anyway, before we left I stowed a fishing rod, some hooks & sinkers and a can of corn in the stroller.. because well, ya just never know. Even though the duck park for some reason this year has about 1/5000th the amount of carp it used to (don't know if they died off or what) you still see the odd little roamer around.

 

Well today I just happened to notice a big brute (for simcoe duck park) up shallow and on the feed. I grabbed my rod as quick as possible and baited up as fast as I could. To my surprise the carp stayed in close while all this was going on and as soon as the corn hit the water he was on it!

 

 

I can't say I've ever had a duck park carp fight as hard as this one did. It reminded me of a Lake Erie carp as it immediately peeled off probably 200ft of line. But I finally did subdue the beast.

 

 

 

Sure for those of you who fish carp on Lake O or the Kawarthas this isn't much, but this for me is like pulling an 8lb bass from a koi pond. These carp rarely go over 5 pounds. This is the biggest I've seen in the duck park since I was about 10 years old.

 

One thing we did notice was that this carp had an odd growth on it's snout. Not sure if it's a parasite or an old wound.

 

 

And of course she was released to grow bigger and fight another day.

 

 

 

So maybe the sudden lack of carp in the duck park has allowed the remaining ones to grow larger. I hope that is the case.

 

Anyway, don't ever leave home without a fishing rod! If I would have seen that fish and not had my rod I'd be kicking myself in the teeth right now!

[highdrifter]

Hhaah kewl!!

 

Well done Rich.

 

HD

[Guest Johnny Bass]

I used to always carry my rods in my trunk. Sounds like it was the right decision. Nice carp!

[modny]

i dont specifically target carp, but big ups for being prepared for a nice battle

[johnnyb]

Awww man....I don't know what is more unbelievable -- that the fish had 200 feet to run, or that you are capable of kicking yourself in the teeth!!!! Just kiddin around beauty fish....and little Splenda looks like he'll be quite the heartbreaker!

[packrat]

WTG Rich------you mean you didnt kiss it before releasing it

[Victor]

Clean & healthy looking fish Rich. (except for that weird growth)

 

Always nice to wet a line, even if it's only for like 15 minutes.

[pigeonfisher]

Rich,

 

Of all your traits...I think the most "admiring" is your ability to be a great dad (from my view here).

 

Cheers to you man!!!!

 

We have a number in the group who have chosen "dad" as the #1 hobby. Good on ya for being your best!

[Leecher]

Good job Rich...... Sure looked like fun hooking that one

 

Thanks for sharing

Leechman

Edited July 25, 2008 by Leechman