By Dwayne Zboril

The water was still as glass, fog crept in from the shoreline as it rolled over the still scene. It was very early and I was the only one on the water, what a beautiful morning. A few small birds chirped in the distnace, the trees were beginning to wake to the morning. Today I would be in search of a sleek and powerful monster of the deep. My test for the day would be the bluecat, a fish that i respect dearly. I love the pure power that is exhibited by these fish as they roam the depths.

I had prepared several baits for the day including fresh chicken livers, shrimp, and paste baits. My first choice and go to bait is chicken liver, chilled in ice to preserve the smell and flavor that drives em wild. I put several rod holders into the soft ground and checked my tackle one last time. I casted towards a submerged pier, rotted and aged over the years. The once powerful and mighty stucture struggled to be seen, the water had nearly consumeed it. The water splashed, ripples extended from the point of entry, as my line plumeted to the lakes floor. I imagined how many fish were waiting below, patrolling the depths for their next meal. Slowly i tightened my line and placed my rod in a secured holder. My task of readying another rod was interupted by a scream of the drag. I lifted my rod and engaged the reel. I readied myself as the line went tight. I reared back with all my might and drove the hook home. The line swirled in the water, a sure sign of a big cat.

I quickly gained line on the fish, applying constant pressure as i battled the big blue. I was using 12lb stren line on a shimano chromica reel, housed in a bass proshop 7ft graphite rod. The line pulled tight as the fish rolled and dove for structure, he headed right for the sunken pier. I applied more pressure and steered him away. I wouldn't lose him to a hangup. The surface broke with a violent splash of the big blues tale, it sounded as if a whip had been cracked. My ears filled with the sounds of the battling fishes struggle. I geared down and held firm. By now I was able to gain line, I was in control of the battlin blue.

He showed himself as the water erupted with a violent splash. My jaw dropped as he ripped line out and headed back to the depths. I couldn't hold him this time, I franticlly adjusted the drag. My ears were filled with the snapping of my line. My rod was free of pressure, the fish was gone. My heart raced with excitement, what a battle, what a fight. I had seen the massive blue moments before he showed his true dominance. I was never in control of this battle, he had played the game to a tee. Even though I didnt land the fish, I got the best part of him. I felt his power, his surge of anger as he broke my hold on him and swam to freedom. I estimated the blue to be around 30lbs or so, my disappointment was quickly erased by the anticipation of a second battle with the big blue.

dwaynez