It's not a catfish. I've caught little ones before and this was my first keeper.

I was at Calaveras Sat.6/6/09 Looking for some kitties. Fished the reed beds just before the power lines and caught a few. Then decided to fish another spot just under the power lines to the left as you approach them. I was anchored in about 5 foot of water casting back out into the lake. I was using cut shrimp on my 7 foot ugly stick, 20 lb. trilene and a # 6 trebel hook.

All that said, I had been sitting there for about 15 minutes when my rod loaded. At first it just looked like a nice cat had hit but when I picked up the rod and set the hook...the fight was on. This fish started ripping line off my reel like crazy. For the next 5 minutes it was a battle between man and fish. Remember I said I was anchored, well this fish pulled me off anchor and pulled me about 30 yards from where I was. I finally got him to the boat and in the net. That's a fight I will never forget.

30 inch Red, 12.8 pounds

Mike, that's a PIG!
Way to go.

Thanks Bro. he was a lot of fun to catch.

Congratulations on the Red. Sounds like it was an awesome experience.

Wow that red is beautiful never seen one with that many spots..

Beautiful fish!

I have a habit of fishing with a fairly light drag setting figuring I can tighten up rather than trying to loosen if I have a big fish on.

I once caught a red near the powerlines that was about a lb. smaller, and when he hit and started ripping drag I thought he wasn't going to stop until he reached the dam.

Want to get an idea of what its like, just tie your line to your neighbors bumper and wait for him to drive off.

Very nice fish! I love fights like that... man vs fish.. until my line breaks. =(

Great fish, congrats!!

I only wish I could have gotten it on film. I'd like to be able to relive that that catch over and over. But hey, I will always have the memory.

Mike

That really is one good looking fish!

Nice goin southernboy. Roll Tide.

Goodness! thats a great catch! congrats man.

That's a beast of a red! I have only ever caught one redfish, and it was 8 lbs. I caught it bass fishing. It was a great fight!

Thanks to all. Sorry if I offended anyone by posting this in the cat section. It's just that this is where I hang out cause I'm a die hard cat man. But now, I think I have been bitten by the Big Red Bug. I guess I'll start chasing them while I'm kitty fishin.

Mike

Oh, by the way

ROLL TIDE ROLL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

good un