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I think we all have our Walters. Mine is a 4 pound smallmouth. Every year I seem to hook a large smallmouth or two, but never land one. I have had broken lines or jumping fish throwing the lure.
I lost a Walter 2 weeks ago. I had the drag set just tight enough to allow him to pull line without trying to come to the surface. I played him for a while and had him next to the boat. I could see he was about 19 inches long. As I reached for my net he gave a shake and was off. Son of a ....
I keep trying. I paddle out at first light. I work the abutments of the bridges. I slowly paddle to the bridge and scan the surface. It is calm and weed free.
Don't rush it. Patience. Patience. I need that perfect cast - downstream right where the surface of the water hits the bridge abutment. I take my time and cast. The lure hits the water within inches of the abutment. SLAM! Fish on!
It jumps and then takes some line - but it is no Walter. The fight is good and I am able to get him in the net.
A nice 11 inch smallmouth. Not a Walter, but it was a chance to practice and perfect my skills.
I'll keep trying ...
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