Laker vs. Smallie: An epic battle

[canoedude]

I was out yesterday working on my drop-shot technique for lakers (check out RJ’s blog for a breakdown of the set-up/technique – thanks again for the tips!) – hooked into 6 lakers total but that wasn’t the highlight of the trip…

I was bringing up perhaps the smallest laker of the day – about a pound – in ~80ft of water when I thought I saw a much larger laker swimming around it…being a laker newbie, my first thought was “oh, I guess they do the same thing smallies do”...however, as they came closer to the surface I realized the “laker” was actually an enormous smallmouth attacking the smaller lake trout.

Hands down, this was the biggest smallie I have ever seen – an absolute monster – almost carp-like in size.

The attack kept up for about 30 seconds, however, after few heart-pounding moments, the small laker was safely in the kayak and then released none the worse for wear (as far as I could tell). Understandably, the laker was freaking out which prolonged the whole ordeal.

Anyway, sorry I don’t have any pics of the day – it’s tough enough landing fish in the kayak, let alone taking solo pics – just thought I’d pass along this experience – one of the coolest things I’ve seen on the water.

For those who are interested, 3-inch pearl Gulp minnows were the ticket in 80 to 110ft.

CD

[DropShotr]

Dropshoting lakers...........awesome!!!

Glad to hear you've found success.

Thanks for the report.

DS

[wolfe]

That must have been one brute of a smallie. I've seen them pursue another bass in on the retrieve, not usually attacking, but shadowing the hooked fish, maybe trying to see what all the excitement is about (food opportunity?)....

Now pike on the other hand.....not so much into the shadowing as the chomping.

W.

[RJ]

Hmm....next blog entry....."How to catch giant smallies?...1 pound Lakers as bait!".....

Glad you are having some success CD!

RJ

[canoedude]

I'm just waiting for YUM or one of the other companies to come out with a giant lake trout coloured senko I'm sure those giant rainbow trout swimbaits they use in California were laughed at initially...

Wolfe, it would be tough to overemphasize how big this smallie was - like everyone else on this board, I've seen lots of big smallies - this was an exceptional fish.

[S.M.05]

Thats pretty cool. Good to hear you caught a couple.

Maybe this RJ guy knows what he's doing

[Bass Addict]

Maybe this RJ guy knows what he's doing

Well , he put the Amigo's on to some mighty fine carp in short order

[cprince]

I was out yesterday working on my drop-shot technique for lakers (check out RJ’s blog for a breakdown of the set-up/technique – thanks again for the tips!) – hooked into 6 lakers total but that wasn’t the highlight of the trip…

I was bringing up perhaps the smallest laker of the day – about a pound – in ~80ft of water when I thought I saw a much larger laker swimming around it…being a laker newbie, my first thought was “oh, I guess they do the same thing smallies do”...however, as they came closer to the surface I realized the “laker” was actually an enormous smallmouth attacking the smaller lake trout.

Hands down, this was the biggest smallie I have ever seen – an absolute monster – almost carp-like in size.

The attack kept up for about 30 seconds, however, after few heart-pounding moments, the small laker was safely in the kayak and then released none the worse for wear (as far as I could tell). Understandably, the laker was freaking out which prolonged the whole ordeal.

Anyway, sorry I don’t have any pics of the day – it’s tough enough landing fish in the kayak, let alone taking solo pics – just thought I’d pass along this experience – one of the coolest things I’ve seen on the water.

For those who are interested, 3-inch pearl Gulp minnows were the ticket in 80 to 110ft.

CD

Great report Owen! I would love to have see the bugger!

DS'ing for trout.... love it!

Craig