30.0 in. Bowfin caught by Henry V fishing in North Carolina on 08/23/09

30.0 in. Bowfin caught by Henry V fishing in North Carolina on 08/23/09
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Henry V

Fishing Report

30.0" Bowfin caught by Henry V fishing on Sunday August 23, 2009 at 10:03 near Chapel Hill in Orange County, North Carolina (NC), United States North America

I've been chasing a huge Bowfin that's been hunting the waters of the Lower Little Creek in Durham over the past month. I hooked the fish twice, and one time he fought me for a good minute before throwing my hook. I guessed the fish to weigh about 10 lbs. Joe hooked it and later sent me expletive ridden text messages when it threw him, too.

I hadn't seen the fish in about three weeks, but I hooked it today. It was sitting under an overhanging bush just west of the main channel, in a place that usually holds some panfish. I threw my Storm Yellow Perch Thunder Crank by the tree and retrieved it down so it would hit the rocks in the water. The Bowfin grabbed the lure on the first turn of the reel handle and took off like a rodeo steer.

I fought this monster for about two minutes. It charged the bank twice when I tried to land it. Most fish run FROM the bank - this one charged at me. But every time I tried to grab the fish it took off or thrashed so hard I couldn't get it. So after the third try I just pulled up on the rod and landed the fish. I was praying the lure or rod wouldn't snap in half.

The final measurements were solid, to say the least:
30 inch length, 14.5 inch girth, and a weight of 9 lbs, 10 ounces. It was a massive fish with lots of fight, and it was my first true trophy of the season (by my standards, a trophy is a 30" or 10 lb Bowfin).

Posted by Henry V 2 months ago

Comments

Joe Pych

Congratulations, Henry. I just shot my gun to celebrate for you.

Posted by Joe Pych 2 months ago

Henry V

I could've swore the scale read 10.10, but the glare must have distorted my eyes. When I got home and saw the photo, I was bummed. You still have top fish in the BAG contest.

And yes, Justin, I did yell. Real Loud, and about a 30 seconds later I heard a rifle shot in the woods behind me. I think my yell startled a deer and it ran by a hunter's stand. No problem there except for the fact that hunting season isn't officially open yet.

Posted by Henry V 2 months ago

Justin  Emerle

Awesome story. Did you let out a victory cry afterwards?

Posted by Justin Emerle 2 months ago

Mike S

I thought you said 10 pounds!

Posted by Mike S 2 months ago

Albert Scantleberry

I knew you would get em and you've done your home work

Posted by Albert Scantleberry 2 months ago

Brandon Mabrey

nice1

Posted by Brandon Mabrey 2 months ago

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back to report
Fishing report - 3.0 lb. Largemouth Bass caught by Henry V fishing in North Carolina on 09/06/09 Fishing report - 23.5 in. Bowfin caught by Henry V fishing in North Carolina on 08/21/09
3.0 lb. Largemouth Bass caught by Henry V fishing in North Carolina on 09/06/09 23.5 in. Bowfin caught by Henry V fishing in North Carolina on 08/21/09