Minnesota Master Angler - Tony Smith
Tony Smith did, on April 3, 2013, caught and Released by sportfishing method from Minnesota waters a 50" / 80 lb Catfish - Flathead and is hereby recognized as an official Minnesota Master Angler.
Fish Catch Details
- Angler Name: Tony Smith
- Angler Home: Apple Valley, MN
- Date of Catch: April 3, 2013
- County: Goodhue
- Lake/River: Mississippi
- Species: Catfish - Flathead
- Size: 50" / 80 lb
- Catch Was: Released
- Catch Story: The fish hit a blade bait in about seven feet of water at about seven in the evening. I thought I was snagged and had my buddy go towards the shore to get it out. However, as the boat got claser to the shore the line started heading down stream, at this point I thought I had dislodged a log. Then the fish started to throb the rod and I realized it was a fish. With ten pound test I loosened the drag and the fight was on. The monster headed into the main current and stayed close to the bottom. Twice during the fight the fish had me down to only a few raps of line on my reel. But we would start the motor and head down river allowing me to get back some line. All I wanted was to see the moster but my friend, Mike Shannon, thought we could land it. When we finally, after thirty to forty five minutes, saw it, Mike put the head in the net and the hook came out. My reaction was to grab its tail and with one big pull we rolled her in the boat. After some pictures we quickly got her back in the water.
- Witness Name: Mike Shannon
- Witness Home: Apple Valley, MN
Official Certificate
