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Posts: 1189
Location: Bagley,MN 56621 | I talked to Shep at about 7:30 this morning, they were getting close to the water and should have been set up around 8 or so. Well he just called me at 9:30 and his son reeled in a hog of a 49"er!!!
Way to go Eric, and they just started, hopefully they all get one as big. |
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Posts: 32958
Location: Rhinelander, Wisconsin | Way to go Shep, and way to go Eric!! Pictures soon to follow I hope. Heck of a fish.  |
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Posts: 5874
| What an awesome fish! What an awesome day! What an awesome job Eric did! It was just awesome! I can't recall two trips any better. Last week, it was 7 yr. old Lauren getting her first 2 that had me beaming.
Today, I had both kids along, and about an hour after we started trolling, we had a hit on a board rod. I got the rod out of the holder, and handed it to Eric. Had him keep pressure on it until I cleared the other 3 rods. This done, I looked up, and saw a big bend in the rod, heard drag being taken and Eric yelling it was a big one. I looked out, and the board was gone! Eric kept just the right amount of pressure on it, and gained some ground. Soon the board was going up and down, but getting closer to the boat. I positioned Eric front and center, and reached for the board. Releasing the board, Eric reeled down to my hand, and it was all his. This fish powered around, leading him from one side of the boat, around the back, and to the other side. As the flouro leader's swivel appeared, the fish made a run under the boat! Yikes!! Eric did a great job, with coaching from his sister, and lead this fish out from under the motor, and into the waiting Frabill.
I did a great net job, if I do say so myself! Man, when I saw this fish surface just before the net, my knees started shaking. All I could think of was, don't let the hooks get in the top of the net! They didn't, and I smoothly scooped the net under and around a beautiful fat fall piggy! Once in the net, I had to gather myself. I gave Eric a hug, and let out a yeee haaaww! Removing the bait was surprisingly easy, as the fish hit the front of the Believer, and had the front set in his bottom jaw, and the middle set hooked on the other side. A quick snip of the middle hook, and a twist of the fron hook, and she was filling the Frabill peacefully.
As Lauren held the net steady, I got the Kodak out, gave it to Lauren, and lifted the fish out of the net. I was going to have Eric hold it, but it was very heavy. Not sure if he could hold it up, he told me to hold it. A few quick pics were taken, and then I measured the fish at just 49 inches! Wow, biggest fish ever in my boat, it bested Eric's previous by 11 1/2", and my personal best by 1 1/2"! There was no question that this fish was going to be released to grow some more, and Eric thanked the fish for coming to visit us this day. We waved as this trophy swam slowly into the dark water.
Sorry if this is rather long winded, but I am so pumped! We fished for another 3 hours, and shortly after, we had the same board go back. It was Lauren's turn, but unfortunately, as I cleared the rods, the fish got off. Lauren was disappointed, but she said, "That's OK. Eric got a big one today, and I got 2 last week!" I am so proud of my kids.
BTW, that is DaveJ in the background. He and John? got a fat 46, a 44, and missed a few more. JoMusky was also out with JLR, and when I left, Jo had gotten his first trolling fish in his boat! A nice 41".
Shady, thanks for the phone congrats to Eric. Made his day. Now go get one for Evan!!
Edited by Shep 11/15/2003 7:15 PM
Attachments
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 eric49111503.jpg (181KB - 400 downloads)
eric49 releasea.jpg (177KB - 279 downloads)
eric49 release.jpg (142KB - 256 downloads)
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Posts: 1939
Location: Black Creek, WI | Congrats Shep and family!!!!
Thanks to my freakin' CAREER I was unable to join Shep on this awesome trip. Looks like I missed a great time. I'll be havin' a talk with my boss on Monday FOR SURE (heh heh).
Way to go guys and gals!
jlong |
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Posts: 3926
| Wow, what a fish! Shep, please tell Eric that Tim and I are very happy for him. And tell him he beat my personal best by an inch. Wow! |
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Posts: 1536
Location: God's Country......USA..... Western Wisconsin | Shep and Eric, what a great job......congrats to you Eric on your very, very large fish. Shep, do you think that you could be prouder? Looks like you are about to bust your buttons. A very proud father today I can see that. Again, congratulations on a great day. Mike |
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| That first pic has my vote for the new cover picture. What an awesome picture and a great story to boot. Shep you should start your own 14 and under guiding service down there and fill that niche. |
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| Ummmn...I hadn't seen that the cover picture had changed. But I still think it would be a good picture for the future. |
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Posts: 4
Location: Manitowoc WI |
Awesome story. Great Pictures. Good job Eric! |
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Posts: 5874
| Fishon,
Eric thanks you for the vote, but, holy cow, that new fish on the cover! To all the rest, thanks for the kudo's to Eric. He's a good kid, but after talking to DaveJ and Shady, I just know he's not soon to let me forget this fish is biggger than my biggest. Just hope when I get the next step up the ladder, he's there to share it with me.
In light of the tragic events this week on Bago, I wish for all parents to give their kids extra hugs, and tell them how much you love them, today, and every day. |
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Posts: 335
Location: Pulaski, WI | It was something watching him reel it in. Congratulations!
Like I said - I want to be adopted!
John |
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Posts: 216
| Great job Eric like I said dont let the old man forget who has the big fish. We had a great day on the water also I'LL try to get some pics of the 46 and 44 up tomorrow. |
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Posts: 5874
| JLR,
Was great meeting you today. Glad to see Jo finally score in his boat while trolling. Did you guys get anything else after we left? Sounds like they turned on again later.
As far as the adoption goes? Sure, as long as you make enough for me to quit my job, and fish everyday! I'll take you on weekends, unless you're working OT! hehehe |
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Posts: 7120
Location: Northwest Chicago Burbs | Nice fish Shepper! Do I hear "Cover Page"?
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Posts: 20281
Location: oswego, il | Keep it up Shep and you will need another scrap book. Getting it done this year, congrats. Pic should be on the cover for sure. |
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Posts: 1438
| Way to go Shep...
One call from you and two from Dave.
Way to rub it in.
I think Jason and Curly were talking about heading east today. I'd meet 'em but already have other plans. Maybe during the week one day.
Scott
Edited by theedz155 11/16/2003 6:52 AM
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Posts: 2091
Location: Stevens Point, WI | Awesome fish Shep! |
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Posts: 389
Location: Presque Isle Wisconsin | Does'nt get any better than that Shep!! Eric will remember that day as long as He lives no matter how many big ones He catches in His lifetime. Congratulations. |
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Location: Athens, Ohio | Awesome is not a big enough word. "Great job" for you and the kids. m |
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Posts: 104
Location: reedsburg wi | WAY TO GO ERIC. YOU ARE THE MAN.
GLAD TO SEE YOU PUT A WOOPIN ON ALL THE GUYS.
SLUGGO |
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Posts: 1936
Location: Eau Claire, WI | Way To Go Shepster....:)
Congratulations Eric...you've now scored a bigger fish than most on this board..way to go little buddy.
We didn't get over there today, I am still at home, probably won't make it there this season..:(
What a great couple of weeks you've had...Very Cool.
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Posts: 1245
Location: Madtown, WI | JUST PLAIN AWESOME! Congrats Shep...I bet your heart is BUSTING with pride!
Way to go man!
Cory |
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Location: Illinois-Indiana | Eric,
Way to go buddy, heck of a fish!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!:)
Shep, great job on the net and Lauren, great job on the camera.
Shep it looks like you got yourself one hell of a family there, great job and I wish you guys all the best, you make a GREAT team.
You are building memories that will last a LIFETIME.
Edited by Musky Fever 11/16/2003 9:47 AM
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Posts: 216
| Here's another picture of Eric showing Shep how it's done! And here's a picture of that 46 that was caught on the same spot about 1/2 hr after that 49. We don't have picts for that 44 yet.
(46 in muskie 111503.jpg)
(46in release 111503.jpg)
Attachments
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46 in muskie 111503.jpg (48KB - 159 downloads)
46in release 111503.jpg (62KB - 141 downloads)
shep 111503.jpg (65KB - 158 downloads)
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Posts: 335
Location: Pulaski, WI | Nice to meet you too.
We didn't catch any more, or see anymore action.
John |
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Posts: 391
| Holy pig!!! Great job "TEAM SHEP"!!!!! Congrats to Eric and Lauren for showing Dad how it is done!!!! what do you guesstimate the weight to be? any ideas on the girth?
No offense though, but it is still not an ice cream pail. lol
Looks like they really turned on, congrats to everyone else that scored a fatty as well!!!
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Posts: 4520
Location: Chippewa Falls Wisconsin | Great job shep!!!!
Hats off to you and the kids, you have been paying your dues and dailing in the pattern.
I put the boat away Sunday, time to fill the freezer with deer. |
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Posts: 3242
Location: Racine, Wi | Holy Buckets Shep! Way to go. Keep pumping in those pigs. That is a huuugggeee fattie. Great work putting your kids on the fish. They will surely grow up to realize a great resource and father.
Good lungen,
Joel |
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Posts: 2384
Location: On the X that marks the mucky spot | Sweet fish!!!!!!!! |
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Posts: 1906
Location: Oconto Falls, WI | Congrats to you and your son Shep. That is a great fish, and I'm sure Eric will never forget it. Any thoughts on a repro for your son? |
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Posts: 1185
Location: Wishin I Was Fishin' | Awesome fish Eric!
Shep, I sure am glad I didn't take you up on fishing with you, so you could bring your kids. What a day!
Are you going to be in the woods or on the water this weekend?
I plan on the water unless it rains. |
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Posts: 5874
| Thanks again everyone.
Travis, not sure. It is being discussed. I have some great pictures of the fish, so if we do get one made, it should turn out great.
Jo, I'll be hittng the woods with Eric this weekend for his first deer hunt. Hoping to be the proud Papa three weeks in a row!
Jason, lots of the credit goes out to you. We started this thing, and I've been lucky enough to build upon that start, and refine the pattern. Thanks for all the help and encouragement.
Edited by Shep 11/17/2003 1:13 PM
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Posts: 419
Location: Appleton, WI | Awesome fish Shep. I imagine you've got a couple boat partners for life. It's times like that, a guy reflects on all the good things in life and your son and daughter will always share that memory with you. Keep popping the biggies and I wish you guys more luck. Get a big buck in the freezer also.
catch ya later,
Krappie |
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Posts: 1185
Location: Wishin I Was Fishin' | I vote for this as the next cover shot.
How could it not with that good of a story.
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