huntest Posted July 19, 2015 Posted July 19, 2015 Long story short.... My grandson Wyatt joined my wife and I at our place in Branson and we had a lot of plans to enjoy the amenities this wonderful community offers. Right after he got here, he asked me to take him fishing and, of course I said, YES. We launched the boat early morning Friday, July 17 and I hoped I could get him a bite and "hooked" on fishing. Right off the bat, he hooked a dink spot that jumped and got off at the boat. We found some fish but the bites were not happening. Just as I thought it might be time to go in and get out of the heat, he got a bite and started the fight....not long into the battle he yelled for help. I looked down over the edge of my boat and I could not believe what I saw. He did not need much help and battled the big girl like a trooper. I netted her and as she settled in the net on the deck, all Wyatt said was "Oh my gosh" several times. I thought to myself, "Wyatt you have no idea." I took a lot of pictures. I didn't have a scale or tape but she measured just shy of 23" and was a full 6" on the side from side of back to belly. She was released to live another day and hopefully make many more. I initially thought she was a smallmouth but have been told she was a meanmouth. I need the name and phone number of a recommended taxidermist to have a replica made. She should make him a nice Christmas present for his room. I don't think he will ever forget that day. I know I won't. dtrs5kprs, flyrod17, Daryk Campbell Sr and 6 others 9
Members Kenny Gann Posted July 19, 2015 Members Posted July 19, 2015 Nice fish Wyatt. And it looks like grampa taught him how to hold a large fish. Nice job Grampa!!! huntest, Codywskeeter1521, flyrod17 and 1 other 4
Champ188 Posted July 19, 2015 Posted July 19, 2015 Totally awesome, Dave. Congrats on the big catch. Has to be 10 times better than catching that fish yourself. Hope you find a reliable taxidermest to do the replica mount. I'd stay away from the BPS mounts judging by what I've heard. huntest, Daryk Campbell Sr and Codywskeeter1521 3
dtrs5kprs Posted July 19, 2015 Posted July 19, 2015 I'm sure one of the guides would be able to recommend someone for the replica. I've been looking at this fish since you sent me the pic and keep going back and forth on the brownie meanmouth question. That pic in the slip makes me lean brown fish. Either way I'll bet Branson's attractions will not last nearly as long in memory. And I need to fish down by the dam more... Codywskeeter1521, huntest, magicwormman and 1 other 4
dtrs5kprs Posted July 19, 2015 Posted July 19, 2015 Dang it! I looked at it again. It might be the perfect hybrid...brown on one side, and meanie on the other. huntest and Codywskeeter1521 2
Quillback Posted July 19, 2015 Posted July 19, 2015 Nice fish Wyatt! I'm leaning Mean on that one, but hard to tell for sure. if it is a Mean, it's close to the state record, which I believe in 5 lbs. 10 oz. Codywskeeter1521 and huntest 2
Champ188 Posted July 19, 2015 Posted July 19, 2015 And I need to fish down by the dam more... Dave, that's crazy talk! You'd burn 3 gallons of gas going down there and back! Codywskeeter1521, magicwormman and huntest 3
dtrs5kprs Posted July 19, 2015 Posted July 19, 2015 Nice fish Wyatt! I'm leaning Mean on that one, but hard to tell for sure. if it is a Mean, it's close to the state record, which I believe in 5 lbs. 10 oz. Indeed, and not sure it doesn't blow right past close. Dave, that's crazy talk! You'd burn 3 gallons of gas going down there and back! More than that I'm afraid. I'd end up adding another 20 minutes to my hours count. That is where the big fish live though. magicwormman, Codywskeeter1521 and huntest 3
motoman Posted July 19, 2015 Posted July 19, 2015 Great post and pix there huntest! Ole Wyatt will never forget that beauty. I'll bet he's addicted now:-) huntest 1
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