re: The one that got away

# 1 Lake Fork about 3 years ago, fishing with my brother, and 15 yo cousin, ripping a crank over a steep point. Had been catching a few slot fish, 16"-24" so nice fish. Never felt the fish hit it, just lots of pressure, let the rod load and keep it tight. She heads for deep water and Im working her, probably one of the longest fights for a bass. Finally get her in sight and she is massive, biggest bass I have seen massive, easily 10+. Now is a good time to mention I forgot the net in the truck...
I'm all over the boat, stepping on shite, front deck, back deck, middle, just a shite show I was so excited. Finally get her wore out and she lays up, I get down to lip her, she looks at me, and gives one more jerk of the head and pop, out comes the crank. I all but dove in the water after her, finally gave up and just sat on the deck for a solid 5 mins. Get my shite back together and re-tie my knot, that big bitch straightened out my trebble hook, not just a little, I mean straight. Damnedest thing I ever saw, at least it made me feel better, equipment failure, not operator error I guess.

#2 was fighting a big bull red off the jetties that open into the gulf. Fought for probably 30 mins, had to chase him with the boat, strong bastard. He ends up wrapping me up on something, and I cant move him anymore. Guide buddy tries, I try, nothing will get it loose, had to cut him off. Never saw him, but my buddy says would have probably been the biggest one he has seen the way it fought.