Braggin' a little

Sometimes it's a trick to get my kids to go fishing. Finally got them out today though. They weren't too thrilled since it was hot under a muddy bridge without many places to explore. I caught a redbreast on the first cast, that helped. They chased little frogs and minnows with a dip net while making a few casts. I caught a few more small fish and even broke out the fly rod for a few close quarters casts. I decided to go to my trusty trick worm to see if I could tease up a bigger LM. About the second cast, I get a taker. Then I see my 9 yo son has also hooked up, only his seems to be pulling good. We got a good view as a big bowfin fought his way past us. I keep my little bass out of the way and coach him through the landing. Bowfins really like to flop around and this one was doing a great job of covering us in mud.

That's my size 13 trying to keep us from getting muddier. My daughter got this shot during excitement, the camera was muddy too. At some point after landing it, the line broke. I couldn't find the lure and thought the fish swallowed it or tossed it. So after a quick measure, we let him swim away. Wow, that was fun. 25" and about 5-6#

We found the lure with 4' of line a few minutes later. I still don't know exactly when or why it broke. Here's the 1/4 oz jig (used to be white feathers). I've never had great luck with these jigs but he wanted to use it.

He seems pleased with himself.

Pretty sure this fish is the family NC record for length and weight. Son likes hearing that. I caught 5 fish but he outweighed me with his one. I wonder if they'll fight me next time I ask about going fishing?