FIRST SPOONBILL!!

[Mofloatjunkie]

Decided to go make a few casts after work below the Springfield lake dam in hopes of catching a few bass. I was throwing a pb&j double tail grub and I caught a small bass right off the bat. Keep in mind I'm using a 6 ft rod with 6 lb test. A few casts later I feel the hardest pull on my rod I have ever felt in my life. I loosened the drag and let er run. Every time the fish would turn I would try to make up ground. After about 15 minutes of this and being almost spooled multiple times, the fish got tired. I had no idea what was on the line, I just knew it was huge! I very carefully and slowly tightened the drag and started to haul her in. With the assistance of a nice fella I landed the behemoth. I was blown away. By far the biggest fish I have ever caught. Snagged him in the tail and my lure fell out as soon as I got him in. I still can't believe it. What a great evening. After a few photos I watched her swim away to fight another day. Yes! I love Missouri fishing. I wouldn't wanna live anywhere else.

[rps]

Totally awesome! Way larger than the only spoonbill I ever caught below Keystone dam out side of Tulsa. Mine might have been as long as my arm, counting the bill. I was told they eat great, but let it go. Good for you for doing the same!

 

[Mofloatjunkie]

The best part was watching her swim away. 

[Seth]

57 minutes ago, Mofloatjunkie said:

The best part was watching her swim away. 

That's good because they aren't in season right now. The season here in MO runs March 15-April 30. As high as the James was at the end of the season, I'm surprised there isn't an absolute pile of them stuck up there. That one you caught looks like a 35-40 pounder. Just imagine hooking one that weighs 140 pounds like this one that was caught down there a few years ago. 

[RSBreth]

Cool. All the years I've fished the James I've never snagged one, accidentally or otherwise.