37 pounds of carp..., 2002 PB... less than you think... Options

[Jerome]

Maybe I'll get some criticism by posting this picture & story, but please consider that I'm on a learning curve... Which was undoubtedly steep end of last year...

I was fishing the Charles River in Boston. Always impresses me to fish right in front of the MIT...

One rod started to scream, I set the hook, the fish was pulling real hard. While I was battling with it, another rod started to scream! Arrg. So I clumsily hooked the 2nd fish, didn't feel big, so I put the rod on the ground under my right foot and continued to play the biggie. Guess what? My third rod started to scream! Well, I hooked it, and put the rod under my left foot... So here I was, playing a biggie (well in my standards), plus two other rods jerking around. What's next?

The big one started to wear out and I wanted to land it. Except that I couldn't move my feet plus I couldn't make the fish fit in the (not so big) net. I slipped on the wet rocks in front of me and nearly took a dive in the Charles... I frantically restored a vertical position, blocked the two other rods again, and finally landed the first fish. Which was thrown to the bank in a rather careless way, I have to admit. After that, landing the two others was a breeze. They were tired and ended up in the net in one swoop! 10 lb and 9 lb, they weren't that small!

What totally amazes me in retrospect, is that the 3 lines didn't tangle... It's nice I was using mono (not braid) at this time.

So 18+10+9 = 37 lbs of fish. And the 18 was my PB of the year...

I tell you, I will not forget this fishing story any time soon...

PS. yes, they all made it safe to the water. After a few pictures though...

[Jerome]

Here is the picture...

Oh, by the way, it was in October, and I was using whole kernel corn.

Attached image(s)

 

[Jerome]

As to my PB for 2003 (so far!), you'll find the story and the picture here.

[Carpaholic]

Hi Siamond -

Terrific story and quite a memorable experience I'm sure. Like you, we've all been on the same learning curve. First step is realizing what a treasure we have in so many readily available carp. Second step is putting them back alive to fight another day. Third step is finding ways to minimize the amount of damage done in the process. Very few, if any, start all the way at the third step.

Best wishes for big fishes, though spacing them out is a good idea.

[spam]

Great adventure. I know somewhat of the feeling, as I once had two on two rods at the same time, and also was by myself. I was as busy as the "one legged man...." I like the idea of fishing infront of a major college like MIT. It gives a whole new depth to carp schooling behavior.

[Dave Moran]

Great story Siamond. Way to hang in there and get the job done!!!

[phonebush]

Siamond,
You're in luck, The Phone has done the same. When I was doing some 10th acre pond testing of carp they would be layed on the leaves/grass frequently. Of course they are going to flop around. Contrary to opinion it doesn't seem to hurt them, even a few sticks. It certainly doesn't help but in the absense of disease or other negative factors doesn't seem to hurt. How can I say such? These fish were removed daily or every other day. Each time the slime had returned, the fish was lively and repeated its expected rotuine. These fish were not banked carelessly on there noses but certainly without an unhooking mat or such. Fish slime must be like spit. Ohh, while on the subject, don't think you can identify a carp by the missing scales. Replacement time is much quicker than you might imagine. I don't know how quickly scales are replaced, wish I'd paid attention, but they do replace lost scales.
Phone
BTW - great story, it should have been on video rather than stills. Carp do that, run in shoals and your story is not all that uncommon. Still I love humor.

[phonebush]

Siamond,
I'll add one on Phone. For the first year on the CAG site(s) I thought what you did was called a "double".
I'm sitting here in MO catching fish but damn I wasn't catching many, if any, doubles. I thought there were some REAL carp anglers out thar! Heck, I was only catching 15 - 20 lbrs one at a time.
Phone

[Cactus Carp]

Siamond

Nice photos and this section will get a lot of action. I see it for persons with their fish. Any fish that is what is all about having fun fishing from small to large. It is nice to see faces with the names. Where are some of you other guys ?????????



Dean

[Newt]

Nice. And I'd love to try the "too many fish one at once" problem some time.

[ctcarper]

Nice job Jerome,
I had a similar experience, with a different result. I call it a negative "3".
While fishing Candlewood Lake (CT) one night in April I had 2 rods out with maize. I had heard some fish jumping around my hookbaits but had not had any bites. I decided to try a method feeder and went about rigging my third rod for just that reason. I would have to bring in a rod first as CT only allows 2 rods per person. Just after I baited my feeder rod my left hand rod took off, causing me to drop what I had in my hands & run. Only problem was I dropped my hooklink into the margin, just on the other side of a small retaining wall. 5 minutes into the fight I saw my feeder rod sliding down the wall just feet from going in. I ran down & grabbed the rod just before it disappeared over the wall. Both fish were going in different directions so I thought I had things under control. Just as this thought registered in my mind I heard a few beeps & saw that the third rod had a drop back indication. It stopped and I said to myself "thank God!". Right after that it took off so hard I think the hanger chipped the paint on my rod... To make a long story short - I lost all 3 fish, plus broke my lantern during the fight, ending my session right then & there!

-Mike/CT

[RI Steve]

I like to call having doubles "the marianette show" (spelling??)

[Jerome]

Thanks for the nice words, guys.

RI Steve, I think you mean "marionnette show". Although I don't think the folks behind the "marionnette" scenes are using their feet, and I definitely had to... two hands were not enough!

CtCarper, too bad for your negative 3. I'd love to try Candlewood one day or another. Also, this morning, I did a "negative 5". No, I wasn't using 5 rods at the same time. Just lost 5 fishes out of 5 runs. One at a time. Which is rather unnerving... I'll remember that day as well. Oh well, that's an angler's life... <_<

Phone, yes, many people would like to see this video. Too bad it doesn't exist. I only had one witness, a bass angler who was opening big round eyes instead of coming to help me... He told me later on that he'd never seen a freshwater fish bigger than 5 pounds... So 37 pounds was too much for him!

[miguel126]

WTG Jerome

[Big Carphuna]

Jerome,
I remember your telling of this to me last fall. Only you Jerome....
Now try that with 3 30+lbers!