Your casting accuracy alone is worth watching. You just sneak these lures into tight spots with overhangs, and they land almost right at the bank, consistently. Pretty cool
You really are one of the greatest fishing channels out there. You’re out there purely for the love of it. Calm and well spoken, and you take good care of these animals when you reel them in. Keep casting dude & have an awesome summer this year!
My friend, i watched this clip with my Wife tonight and told her you had more chance of winning the lottery than catching a fish with this bird lure. I was so so wrong, total respect to you, well done. Chris (In UK)
You have the patiece of Job. There is no way I could last that long throwing the same lure with no results. Thanks for your videos. I enjoy them more than I can say and I also learn a lot from them.
@@ndyakangler I fly fish for steelhead and trout in the PNW, and I love skating flies for steelhead or casting dries for trout. I've also done a lot of GT fishing in the tropics on the fly, with big poppers, etc. It's all incredible; fishing top water is the best...directly into the veins. BTW, you are hands- down my favorite fishing site (and personality) on TH-cam. You fish the way I like to fish, just with gear instead of a fly-rod.
Yup, watching your casting is an important part of the fun! I'm always a little surprised that your videos hold my attention all the way through. Somehow you make it seem like I was in the kayak with you! Thanks.
Definitely I feel like it’s me who is fishing vicariously through Matt, even though I have never touched one musky in my entire life, since there aren’t any over here in Europe. A most exciting video.
I've said it once and I'll say it again, "You're like the Bob Ross of fishing." Been thinking about getting a kayak for a reservoir near me just to try it all out and get to where I can't by bank fishing. Love your content, man.
Heck yeah! Just got off the lake and finished cooking my catch, I sit down and find a new episode to watch! Makes for a perfect day of fishing, thanks!
This year has been crazy with the amount of times the fish want the top water paused before they hit! I’ve been letting my cast sit there for a good 10 15 seconds before I start to retrieve it and they snatch it! I’ll also pause for the Same amount of time during my retrieve. Seems like that’s how they’ve wanted it up here in my waters.
I'm really enjoying watching your videos. I'm also intensely jealous of all the muskie you both see and catch. Over the last couple of years just seeing muskie is a good day.
Hello from Alicante Spain. (My origin is Netherlands. Home of the northern pike) Just want to say thank you for all your fishing vids. Great Respect to your " no cursing " , calmness and serenity. Keep the content coming. 👋🏼👋🏼
Good video any day on the water with musky bitting is a great day. I know that feeling when you pause your lure and the fish doesn't fully commit on the strike and when it's a musky it stings a little more but sometimes that pause triggers aggressive strikes.
Matt for all the Bob Ross comparisons today you were more like the Iceman. Cool and calm even when you missed a few. I also don't like when I have to go the ebay route for discontinued or hard to find lures but its a patience game. And topwater...yeah any time until the fish determine the bite is over. We were catching smallies last weekend from sun up to 3pm on and off. The massive cicada hatch and full moon played a part I'm sure. Thanks for taking us along brother. Blessings
I literally yelled, "oh no!" When you set your rod down and you got that bite. I definitely get way into these videos lol. Thanks for another one Matt! 😎🤙
It seemed to me that the fish you missed you set the hook too soon! There’s nothing better in fishing than catching them on top water baits! Love your top water fishing videos! Especially for Muskies and Northern Pike!
I have spent a lot of time fishing small mountain lakes in NE PA for large mouth bass. And nothing beats the excitement and adrenaline rush of catching a bass on the surface. The best time was early morning twilight before any wind would kick up because of warming by the sun. The lake water is as smooth as a piece of glass and it is so quiet on the lake. Under these conditions I was always so excited as to what each cast could bring. I always had a lot of success on the surface using gold floating Rapela minnow replicas. The bass usually stay quite close to the underwater structure that provides their camouflage and protection which means only very good casts really have a chance of getting a hit. But under these conditions in the early morning twilight using my tried and true Rapela, I have a chance to catch some very nice large mouths. Now my success or failure depends mostly upon my skill in making casts that land in the strike zone which is a small area of no more than about 18 inches from the structure where the fish is hiding. You knew when your cast was accurate. Everything is very peaceful and quiet, until your lure strikes the water and then there is an explosion in the water where your lure just landed and the bass hit your lute so hard that it explodes out of the water and you see your fish dive back down into the water. Now the fish realizes that things are not right and it is in a dangerous situation. The bass isn’t going to give up without a fight and uses all of its energy and wisdom to escape. Bass of any size get to be big bass by learning how not to get caught. After the initial explosion out of the water and subsequent dive back into the water their first maneuver is to dive down as far as possible to find underwater structure to wrap around. If you aren’t able to maneuver your hooked bass away from its structure then it is most likely going to be successful in wrapping up your line underwater and you won’t land the fish because either the fish or you are going to end up breaking your line. If you are able to move your fish away from its structure upon first hooking it then you have a chance to land the bass. But that doesn’t mean the bass is going to give up - hell no. It is going to use all of its remaining energy to get away. It will jump out of the water and try to shake off the hook or swim towards you and then dive while directly under your boat. I have been amazed at all the different tactics they use to avoid being caught. But the whole process is so exciting and adrenaline producing that it is a tremendous experience. And if you do in fact land that bass, you feel exhilarated because you had the skill to counter all of the maneuvers the fish threw at you. Once I land the fish, I take a quick picture and release it back into the water. And then I’m more excited than ever to continue fishing and hear the next explosion out of the water. And this is why I love fishing for large mouth using top water tackle. It is just so exciting and tests your skill as a fisherman with each and every strike. Sorry for the long story about catching large mouths on lakes. I just hope a few of you found it entertaining and others can relate to it through similar experiences. p.s. I was very impressed with the casts that Matt made in this video. Making accurate casts is very important in getting strikes as all we experienced fishermen know. And one final comment, Rapela makes damn good and durable fishing lures. The quality of the workmanship and final product is just outstanding. If you have never tried a Rapela lure give it a try. And I am not associated with Rapela in any way. I am 65 years old and have successfully fished with Rapela lures my whole life and the are outstanding. I believe they are made in Finland or one of the other Nordic countries and fishing in that part of the world is serious business and you can see that in the quality of their products. They are a bit more expensive but well worth it in my eyes unless of course your casting needs work and you’re losing lures all the time.
Clearly, a "hit/catch" is the best scenario BUT just seeing one of those monsters trail a lure and nail it is still great to watch. Thanks for the fishing trip Matt. 👍👍👍 I'm already looking forward to your next video. God bless.
Those lures with the wings are great for attracting fish. I think sometimes the wings prevent setting the hook. It's worth the risk for a chance at a nice fish.
By far my favorite fishing channel! Always with the perfect mornings and beautiful casts and even more beautiful fish, keep up catching biggins man!( I know you will)
2:37 - crazy! This happens in every outdoor endeavor. Get out of the blind to move decoys and a flight cups its wings. set your rifle down to answer nature’s call and a buck trots out in front of you. etc, etc. Too funny.
I'm watching some of your videos when it's minus 18 outside. I recognize where you are at. That river has been my backyard for over 35 years. Although my place is further upstream.
Your right. Top Water is the best / most fun fishing there is. My favorite is the Heddon Crazy Crawler. Have fished it for over 60 years with great success.
It must be Saturday again! Matt, you need a Tee-Shirt that says "Back at it again!' Thanks for brightening another week! BTW - I'm planning another St Lawrence river trip in a few weeks, got some 10" plastic worms, some hellgrammites, and a couple of other things you've demonstrated. May be my last trip, so I'm gonna go all out! Thanks for showing me how!
Definitely had that beat in Jersey I would always see those birds come early in the morning dive down in the water when I was fishing soon as I seen that beat on Amazon and one of your videos I had to have it works very well, personal best three big bass and all in one day I was and all how well the chatter bait 👍🏾works great job I love your videos
Hey Yak, been watching your videos a lot over the past few weeks, definitely something that is very different for me. I was wondering if you would be able to make a video about what you need to start Kayak fishing, and maybe some tips or tricks. I know that it isn't your wheelhouse but I would love to hear what you have to say on the matter
Gotta hand it to you for putting up with a paddle kayak all this time. Having to put my rod down and missing bites is precisely why i went to a peddle kayak.
It's like a Crazy Crawler! I had a big bass bend the wing back on my crazy crawler and ruin it. I bent the wing back, but it just spins. I haven't used my new one yet. Jitter bugs are also a great classic lure. Also, the Whopper Plopper is an old pike/musky design.
Man, let me say; I know what you mean about thinking of changing a lure and then just giving it a little longer. My son and I started today at about 11:30am and didn’t really get any bites until around 12.30. Pushed on and found an area with bluegill, crappie. Then came back around after awhile of floating and caught 4 bass with the biggest be a long body 3lb largemouth. Ended up catching around twenty total. All catch and release. However, a lot of fun.
Given' 'em the BIRD Matt! I really love crawler and creeper lures AND, like yourself, I will throw topwater ALL the time. These lures are a mainstay for Japanese bass fishermen and there are few choices here. Jackall (Pompadour) and SPRO (Creeper) each have an offering. Savage Gear has a BAT LURE that Bruce Wayne would die for...lol. I use the SPRO because it's the most affordable and it's really well made. Great video by the way and thanks for continuing to do all this work for us.
I can hear it now , Muskie - Hey matts giving us the Bird again , Muskie - well we'll show him by not biting , two fish - don't care i'm hungry !!!! Nice as hell couple of them is better than none & of course there pissed ,they just the Bird from one of the best . LOL !!!
I don't fish for them, but I caught one on a live chub while fishing for smallmouth on the New River in Virginia. I've had a couple more on for a minute but without a steel leader, you don't stand much chance of landing it. I was fortunate to get that one. The rush of a life time. Especially when you are not expecting it
Your casting accuracy alone is worth watching. You just sneak these lures into tight spots with overhangs, and they land almost right at the bank, consistently. Pretty cool
100%!
I must’ve said “nice cast” like 20x during that video
The precision is insane right???
That’s the beauty of YT editing, you can edit out all tree & rock bass casts, lol!🤣
Thats alone shows how much you been spending time on the water. Once you can make throws like that, your ready to slay fish
Now this is good content no sponsor ads no intro music just fishing. Beautiful
No drone shots. 👍👍👍
he's my Bob Ross
Absolutely! LOVE this channel to unwind at the end of the day
Ah yes, Bob Ross enjoying another beautiful day and exploring the wilderness. Majestic.
Thomas Hart Benton, Son!
No, just Matt Nelson enjoying another beautiful day. He's his own person
Catching some happy little fish over here
I believe they call eem Rob Boss, actually
Happy fish, happy fish! Need a Bob Ross inspired t-shirt!! Great idea.
That last fish bite was EPIC! I am glad you’re so calm, I would be hooting and hollering and cussing. Thanks for sharing your adventures.
You really are one of the greatest fishing channels out there. You’re out there purely for the love of it. Calm and well spoken, and you take good care of these animals when you reel them in.
Keep casting dude & have an awesome summer this year!
My friend, i watched this clip with my Wife tonight and told her you had more chance of winning the lottery than catching a fish with this bird lure.
I was so so wrong, total respect to you, well done.
Chris (In UK)
You have the patiece of Job. There is no way I could last that long throwing the same lure with no results. Thanks for your videos. I enjoy them more than I can say and I also learn a lot from them.
Watching these videos while deployed overseas makes things better. Thanks for the great content!!
I bet your a soldier......
"I prefer to just throw top-water all the time." And that's why you have my subscription.
It’s tough to beat the excitement of some topwater action!
@@ndyakangler I fly fish for steelhead and trout in the PNW, and I love skating flies for steelhead or casting dries for trout. I've also done a lot of GT fishing in the tropics on the fly, with big poppers, etc. It's all incredible; fishing top water is the best...directly into the veins.
BTW, you are hands- down my favorite fishing site (and personality) on TH-cam. You fish the way I like to fish, just with gear instead of a fly-rod.
Great video as always! I'm primarily a top water fisherman myself. It's so much more exciting and entertaining than other methods of fishing. Cheers!
Clean and simple content. Tons of knowledge, no sponsors. Just a dude catching fish and teaching me some good stuff!
Yup, watching your casting is an important part of the fun! I'm always a little surprised that your videos hold my attention all the way through. Somehow you make it seem like I was in the kayak with you! Thanks.
Definitely I feel like it’s me who is fishing vicariously through Matt, even though I have never touched one musky in my entire life, since there aren’t any over here in Europe. A most exciting video.
YakAngler has replaced my old Saturday Bill Dance and Roland Martin fishing shows. Thank you!
Bill dance them song drives me nuts. I like him except when he talks to the fish he caught like it’s a child. Guess we all have our quirks.
I've said it once and I'll say it again, "You're like the Bob Ross of fishing." Been thinking about getting a kayak for a reservoir near me just to try it all out and get to where I can't by bank fishing. Love your content, man.
Heck yeah! Just got off the lake and finished cooking my catch, I sit down and find a new episode to watch! Makes for a perfect day of fishing, thanks!
I walked rivers for decades before the days of fishing kayaks. That is one slick and quiet way to cover water. Tight lines to you...
This year has been crazy with the amount of times the fish want the top water paused before they hit! I’ve been letting my cast sit there for a good 10 15 seconds before I start to retrieve it and they snatch it! I’ll also pause for the Same amount of time during my retrieve. Seems like that’s how they’ve wanted it up here in my waters.
Awesome trek, Matt, it's always exciting to watch you work your magic with a Bird Lure, just awesome! Take care and be safe!
Much respect Matt. Such a joy to watch. Thanks for bringing us along...
I'm really enjoying watching your videos. I'm also intensely jealous of all the muskie you both see and catch. Over the last couple of years just seeing muskie is a good day.
Hello from Alicante Spain. (My origin is Netherlands. Home of the northern pike) Just want to say thank you for all your fishing vids. Great Respect to your " no cursing " , calmness and serenity. Keep the content coming. 👋🏼👋🏼
Good video any day on the water with musky bitting is a great day. I know that feeling when you pause your lure and the fish doesn't fully commit on the strike and when it's a musky it stings a little more but sometimes that pause triggers aggressive strikes.
Matt for all the Bob Ross comparisons today you were more like the Iceman. Cool and calm even when you missed a few. I also don't like when I have to go the ebay route for discontinued or hard to find lures but its a patience game. And topwater...yeah any time until the fish determine the bite is over. We were catching smallies last weekend from sun up to 3pm on and off. The massive cicada hatch and full moon played a part I'm sure. Thanks for taking us along brother. Blessings
I literally yelled, "oh no!" When you set your rod down and you got that bite. I definitely get way into these videos lol. Thanks for another one Matt! 😎🤙
These videos always start my Saturdays off right
It seemed to me that the fish you missed you set the hook too soon! There’s nothing better in fishing than catching them on top water baits! Love your top water fishing videos! Especially for Muskies and Northern Pike!
Fine line between fishing and catching! Two beasts! ♥
I have spent a lot of time fishing small mountain lakes in NE PA for large mouth bass. And nothing beats the excitement and adrenaline rush of catching a bass on the surface. The best time was early morning twilight before any wind would kick up because of warming by the sun. The lake water is as smooth as a piece of glass and it is so quiet on the lake. Under these conditions I was always so excited as to what each cast could bring. I always had a lot of success on the surface using gold floating Rapela minnow replicas. The bass usually stay quite close to the underwater structure that provides their camouflage and protection which means only very good casts really have a chance of getting a hit.
But under these conditions in the early morning twilight using my tried and true Rapela, I have a chance to catch some very nice large mouths. Now my success or failure depends mostly upon my skill in making casts that land in the strike zone which is a small area of no more than about 18 inches from the structure where the fish is hiding.
You knew when your cast was accurate. Everything is very peaceful and quiet, until your lure strikes the water and then there is an explosion in the water where your lure just landed and the bass hit your lute so hard that it explodes out of the water and you see your fish dive back down into the water.
Now the fish realizes that things are not right and it is in a dangerous situation. The bass isn’t going to give up without a fight and uses all of its energy and wisdom to escape. Bass of any size get to be big bass by learning how not to get caught. After the initial explosion out of the water and subsequent dive back into the water their first maneuver is to dive down as far as possible to find underwater structure to wrap around. If you aren’t able to maneuver your hooked bass away from its structure then it is most likely going to be successful in wrapping up your line underwater and you won’t land the fish because either the fish or you are going to end up breaking your line.
If you are able to move your fish away from its structure upon first hooking it then you have a chance to land the bass. But that doesn’t mean the bass is going to give up - hell no. It is going to use all of its remaining energy to get away. It will jump out of the water and try to shake off the hook or swim towards you and then dive while directly under your boat. I have been amazed at all the different tactics they use to avoid being caught. But the whole process is so exciting and adrenaline producing that it is a tremendous experience. And if you do in fact land that bass, you feel exhilarated because you had the skill to counter all of the maneuvers the fish threw at you.
Once I land the fish, I take a quick picture and release it back into the water.
And then I’m more excited than ever to continue fishing and hear the next explosion out of the water.
And this is why I love fishing for large mouth using top water tackle. It is just so exciting and tests your skill as a fisherman with each and every strike.
Sorry for the long story about catching large mouths on lakes. I just hope a few of you found it entertaining and others can relate to it through similar experiences.
p.s. I was very impressed with the casts that Matt made in this video. Making accurate casts is very important in getting strikes as all we experienced fishermen know.
And one final comment, Rapela makes damn good and durable fishing lures. The quality of the workmanship and final product is just outstanding. If you have never tried a Rapela lure give it a try. And I am not associated with Rapela in any way. I am 65 years old and have successfully fished with Rapela lures my whole life and the are outstanding. I believe they are made in Finland or one of the other Nordic countries and fishing in that part of the world is serious business and you can see that in the quality of their products. They are a bit more expensive but well worth it in my eyes unless of course your casting needs work and you’re losing lures all the time.
I love the Muskies and pikes
that one dude fishing from the bank... I think he had an org@sm.
Just discovered your videos. Peaceful, calm, patient. Awesome. I'm "hooked".
Clearly, a "hit/catch" is the best scenario BUT just seeing one of those monsters trail a lure and nail it is still great to watch.
Thanks for the fishing trip Matt. 👍👍👍 I'm already looking forward to your next video. God bless.
Once again you get the best footage on your videos
Those lures with the wings are great for attracting fish. I think sometimes the wings prevent setting the hook. It's worth the risk for a chance at a nice fish.
They’re great for covering water! I was fishing a little cicada crawler for smallies the other day and for a tiny lure it made a ton of commotion!
I have no clue how you stayed so calm after so many misses, love it
Nothing beats surface lure fishing. Watching the fish explode out of the water at the lure is fun whether you catch them or not.
By far my favorite fishing channel! Always with the perfect mornings and beautiful casts and even more beautiful fish, keep up catching biggins man!( I know you will)
I love the sound that lure makes as it’s moving through the water.
As always.. pure Fishing.. I’ve been here since 2012.. enjoying every minute.
New subscriber. Love the view, calm voice. It's like I'm fishing from my couch. Nice casting skills too.
great meeting you man, going back out next sunday in hopes of catching a second muskie
Thanks again Matt!
I totally agree. Im an active fisherman. Topwater is my preference. Buzz is second.
Another fun day fishing with you.
I literally strive to catch monsters in my yak like this dude ❤🎉one of the greats for sure
2:37 - crazy! This happens in every outdoor endeavor. Get out of the blind to move decoys and a flight cups its wings. set your rifle down to answer nature’s call and a buck trots out in front of you. etc, etc. Too funny.
That lure is the stuff of nightmares.😂😂😂😂
Love your musky videos the best, good job, keppem coming. Stay safe and God Bless 🙏🏻🙏🏻
Good fishing there like jaws coming up behind the lure🎣✌️
I'm watching some of your videos when it's minus 18 outside. I recognize where you are at. That river has been my backyard for over 35 years. Although my place is further upstream.
Thanks for taking us along matt.great video.
You have the patience of a true fisherman! Subscribed!
@2:50, I also hate it when fish jump up and grab at my bird. Getting your bird untangled from the net also takes a bit.
Your right. Top Water is the best / most fun fishing there is. My favorite is the Heddon Crazy Crawler. Have fished it for over 60 years with great success.
It must be Saturday again! Matt, you need a Tee-Shirt that says "Back at it again!' Thanks for brightening another week! BTW - I'm planning another St Lawrence river trip in a few weeks, got some 10" plastic worms, some hellgrammites, and a couple of other things you've demonstrated. May be my last trip, so I'm gonna go all out! Thanks for showing me how!
Always learn something watching your videos. Great content! Thanks for doin what you do
You definitely use some unusual lures. Always interesting. Love your channel 👍 those fish are huge!!
I haven't even watched the new vid yet, I'm just commenting that I love Saturday mornings and waking up to new Yak vids!
Another ND vid and a Saturday mornin, can’t beat that!
It’s always a good day when Matt posts😊😊😊😊
You have all of the coolest fishing stuff 😮
Such a therapy watching your videos x)
I enjoyed this video, beautiful river and finally nature becomes green, good feeling
Great day for some great fish keep up the good content
Wow what a rush you must have had ! Great video !
Great show today tks for sharing😊
Again great show this guy does
Such great waterways you have.
I net that's one hell of a rush seeing those monsters chasing your lures nice video stay safe out there
Definitely had that beat in Jersey I would always see those birds come early in the morning dive down in the water when I was fishing soon as I seen that beat on Amazon and one of your videos I had to have it works very well, personal best three big bass and all in one day I was and all how well the chatter bait 👍🏾works great job I love your videos
Great job !!! Now time for some pad crashing with the frogs !!!
Great video again 👍 You're always uploading the highlight of the week. Thank you!
Great stuff Matt, I’m loving all the Esox action!
Muskies only come in one size for you, thank you for the great footage
They’re all the same year class at many spots in ND. They did a lot of muskie stocking 8-9 years ago now.
Interesting! Had no idea
Hey Yak, been watching your videos a lot over the past few weeks, definitely something that is very different for me. I was wondering if you would be able to make a video about what you need to start Kayak fishing, and maybe some tips or tricks. I know that it isn't your wheelhouse but I would love to hear what you have to say on the matter
The sound of that bird on the retrieve was sensational. "Come eat me!"
yore like the bob Ross of fishing😀
Matt, you Texas rigged a love jig and casted it straight into a deep pool of my heart. I love you Matt. 🥰🥰🥰❤️🥹
Livin the dream. Love how you try different stuff.
Matt- you should be the hired by the ND chamber of commerce since your fishing videos make me want to move there!
Good video , I’m going fishing tomorrow morning here in Saskatoon Saskatchewan, Canada 🇨🇦
Modern outdoor tackle is in my home town great place!!!!
Gotta hand it to you for putting up with a paddle kayak all this time. Having to put my rod down and missing bites is precisely why i went to a peddle kayak.
It's like a Crazy Crawler! I had a big bass bend the wing back on my crazy crawler and ruin it. I bent the wing back, but it just spins. I haven't used my new one yet. Jitter bugs are also a great classic lure. Also, the Whopper Plopper is an old pike/musky design.
Man, let me say; I know what you mean about thinking of changing a lure and then just giving it a little longer. My son and I started today at about 11:30am and didn’t really get any bites until around 12.30. Pushed on and found an area with bluegill, crappie. Then came back around after awhile of floating and caught 4 bass with the biggest be a long body 3lb largemouth. Ended up catching around twenty total. All catch and release. However, a lot of fun.
Would love to see your vids in 2k 😃 keep up the great work 💙
Matt,you rock! Love the bird lure. Peace
Given' 'em the BIRD Matt! I really love crawler and creeper lures AND, like yourself, I will throw topwater ALL the time. These lures are a mainstay for Japanese bass fishermen and there are few choices here. Jackall (Pompadour) and SPRO (Creeper) each have an offering. Savage Gear has a BAT LURE that Bruce Wayne would die for...lol. I use the SPRO because it's the most affordable and it's really well made. Great video by the way and thanks for continuing to do all this work for us.
You should bring back trying out crazy odd looking top water baits and call it "does it work (insert preferred day of the week)" lol
Man good job as always, and take good care of that bird of yours 👍
That guy on the bank got a good show with that Muskie!
Always good to see your video's
It’s finally time for topwater! The best time of the year!
you videos are amazing my guy great to see bless from holland
I have no doubt this will be a good trip, this reminds me of a more realistic version of the Kyogre lure.
Favorite fishing TH-camr for sure
Nice fish man love the channel
I can hear it now , Muskie - Hey matts giving us the Bird again , Muskie - well we'll show him by not biting , two fish - don't care i'm hungry !!!! Nice as hell couple of them is better than none & of course there pissed ,they just the Bird from one of the best . LOL !!!
looks like those fish like when you give them the bird. thanks for sharing
Only guy I know that can specifically target musky and catch musky. Most fisherman say “man I hope one day I actually see a musky”
I’m lucky to have a few spots I can fish with a bunch of muskie swimming around!
I don't fish for them, but I caught one on a live chub while fishing for smallmouth on the New River in Virginia. I've had a couple more on for a minute but without a steel leader, you don't stand much chance of landing it. I was fortunate to get that one. The rush of a life time. Especially when you are not expecting it