A PB but not a Smallmouth

[yaknar]

I got out this weekend and had an average day with one exception. We all know the river is low, had to walk some riffles, so I started out with shallow cranks on two poles and a deep diver on the other, in case I found a rare deep hole. Caught smallmouths and goggle-eyes by cranking slowly back to the kayak. The smallmouth in the pic was caught on a modified rebel bumble bee. I came to an area with rocks and about 5 ft. of water, and when I started reeling in I thought I was hung up. But then I saw the line going upstream. Heart started pounding, what could it be?  The battle lasted at least 10 min. with me reeling in followed by the fish running out the drag. That happened about 5 times. I've caught longer fish, gar and walleye, But I don't think I caught one that fought as long and so was so heavy.  I thought I would give it an new home up on the bank, non-native species, maybe supper for a racoon, but for all of you carp lover, I didn't. First carp I have caught. All in all it was a great day on the river with a fight I won't soon forget. Took pictures of a few and released them all to fight another day, even the nasty carp.....

[Jerry Rapp]

did you snag the carp?  I catch several in Black River each year on dough balls.  A 3 lb carp on an ultra light with 2 lb test is a 15 to 20 minute tussle for sure.

[moguy1973]

That's actually a redhorse sucker.  And a nice one at that. 

[yaknar]

Jerry, I caught the redhorse sucker, thanks moguy1973, on a 5 foot long Uglystik with 8 lb mono, and yes I said uglystik. The sucker took the front treble hook in its mouth and the other in the side of its face....