4.3 lb. Landlocked Salmon caught by George Lodge fishing in Lake Winnipesaukee in New Hampshire at the Winni Derby on 05/17/08

Posted by George Lodge over 12 years ago

George Lodge of Franklin, NH is all smiles as he presents the new leading salmon in the 27th Winni Derby. Why so happy? This fish could win George the new fishing boat shown behind him - a fully loaded 2008 Starcraft 1700 Starfire DC fishing boat propelled by a Mercury Marine 75 HP EFI motor ready to go on a 20008 EZ Loader custom boat trailer.

That's a generous reward for catching a 4.28 pound salmon.

But his #1 status was not initially clear. AJ White also had a fish of the exact same weight. So, they went to the tie-breaker: length. As it turns out, George's fish at 22.75 inches compared favorably to AJ's 22.25 inches - a half inch longer.

This close call may have been averted. George was kicking himself because he thought he kept it on the boat too long - two and a half hours. But he had it in a live well and ran it right in when it started turning belly up. Good move.

So, by a very thin margin, George is the new contender for the derby boat.

George and his boatmate, Mike Rossen, caught this while aboard the Porkypine, named this because of all the fishing rods protruding from it. This is their 6th year competing in the derby.

George has talents beyond fishing although he likes to stay close to it: he composed the theme song and soundtrack for the Angling in the Smile of the Great Spirit video. Multi-talented indeed.

Congratulations, George.