First off thanks to everyone that helped a newbie out. In no particular order Bigmike1984, DalMichaelLas, Deerstrangler, Tex, and not to mention my old boss who took me out fishing summer 2012 when I caught my first fish (a small channel catfish).

I was bank fishing on Grapevine and it took me quite a while to find some shad in my cast net. I cast my line out, hook up a bell, set up my rod holder at a little less than a 45 degree angle, ensured my line was tight and my drag was relatively loose. I heard a few tinkles from the bell and notice the rod tip bending. By the time I got to the Pro Angler the fish was already peeling drag. I crank down as fast as I could and felt the fish on the end of the line. I take the rod out of the holder and tightened the drag. I started pumping the fish in. I could feel it dive down and at times it felt like it was coming right at me. The Record and the Pro Angler did most of the work. I get the fish to shore and weigh him on my crappy Rapala digital scale. 26lbs! I was so happy I called my wife and woke her up to tell about the fish I just caught. I snapped a few pictures and caught some video of the fish swimming away. My hands were shaking I could barely make out text messages to Bigmike1984 to let him know about the fish. I was awfully lucky to catch the catfish; it was hooked in its lower jaw!

Good bro!!! You hit that 20lbs mark fast. And your welcome.

Nice fish, congrats.

Nice! WTG!

Nice one! Looks like the vine is doing great here lately.

Congrats on a new PB. Nice fish and nicely done.

Congrats. That is a pretty fish.

Congratulations man!!!!.... your hooked for sure now..lol

Nice and it sure does gets the adrenaline flowing landing a big fish especially for the 1st time !!!

Thanks, everyone! It felt really good catching him. I thought I had lost the fish a couple of times when it was swimming towards me. I tried to keep tension on the line the entire time but I also didn't want to lose him during the fight. He pulled drag out a couple of times and I just let him run. After catching him I had to stop and sit for about 15 minutes to let myself realize what had just happened.

Not the most gracious release and the damn fish did not want to let go of my fish grips.

RIGHT ON MAN!!! NO BETTER FEELING THEN LANDING A DECENT SIZE FISH.WOULDNT TRADE IT FOR THE WORLD!!

You know I get wet when I let go my big cats! The least you can do for the good fight they give you. Lol

nice, even your post sounds exciting! Good job on your new PB!

I hate getting my socks and shoes wet. I think it's the worst feeling ever. Reminds me of getting horrible blisters. I'll take them off next time and cradle the fish back into deeper water.