I wanted to chase blues a littler earlier in the year than I usually do and wasn't expecting to run in to very many quality fish, but I was wrong... Got to the lake at 6:45PM. Rain came in right away and we sat in the marina until it stopped at 8PM.

The wind was howling blowing pretty good out of the north (total opposite from 6:30), so I went to a shallow spot on a wind blown bank (3 FOW) hoping fish would be getting pushed up in there.

Saw a big one on the side scan with some smaller ones mixed in there and there so I stopped.

My very low expectations got shattered quickly. First fish came about 10 minutes after getting the rods all out and it was about 10#. There was steady action after that, nothing crazy, but nice quality fish that seemed to by fighting harder than usual. Blues were acting more like whales breaking the surface in the shallow water. Fun stuff!

At 9:30 I see a rod get nailed hard, and then here a big splash. My fairly inexperienced friend grabbed the rod not aware of what he was getting in to. The fish had made a run almost towards the boat and when he saw it, hauled [censored] in the other direction. Not ready for it, and with drag set tight, my friend was about 1 step away from going over the boat after being pulled off balance. I thanked him for not letting go of the rod.

Not expecting anything big I didn't even bother to bring my net. This fish was long and had a big head. Grabbed it with the gripper, took some pics, got weight, and let it swim away.

Right at 25#, but I am sure it will be carrying much more weight in the winter.

Here's a pic of my friend with his fish.

Most of the fish were caught on buffalo fillets soaked in Mexican Vanilla. All were released.

On the way out the shad were so thick I could have walked on them : )

Wooo hoooo! Great day

...wow that is awesome where to put your friend on that fish I am seeing similar circumstances where I was crappie fishing tonight....I may have to get back out there and take my catfish rods

Solid post and solid fish. Good job.

WTG Steve! That Deerstrangler catfishing101 has paid off nicely!