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#1 Aug-28-25 7:34PM
- Ernie
- Administrator
- From: Ashburn VA
- Registered: Feb-03-06
- Posts: 16313
8-28-25, UP
Bob and I fished with Chris Campo on his raft today. It started out chilly (51dF at the start) for sure with some fog on the water. 
It didn't take long for us to take the skunks off the boat but they were small fish. Chris has a thing about small fish pics! 
The fish started to get bigger!
Right after this one, Bob had a monster on and it got off after a jump or two. We kept yelling at Bob to keep the fish in the water but he was using a short, light baitcaster and the fish was having his way with Bob.
Surprisingly, Bob remained relatively calm after the loss.
It wasn't but a few minutes later that I got hit and we knew it was big because it was a mighty battle. After a few minutes, Chris expertly netted this 20.5" beauty!!
We measured this one on Chris's musky bump board. The thing is huge and a PIA but it only comes out on special occasions.
Here are a couple more nice ones!
Al told, we caught 30 in less than 5 hours of fishing. And did I mention how many got off?? 
Someone needs to teach us how to hook 'em!
I stayed with a fluke all day alternating with a Zoom and a River Rock. I think I caught 1 or 2 on the Flat Worm. I believe that Bob stayed with the Flat Worm for most of the day.
There are soooo many targets when fishing out of a raft, especially when the guy on the oars knows what he is doing.
We only saw one eagle but the scenery is always spectacular.
While on a nature break, we mentioned that we we were a bit hungry so we demolished this catfish.
In reality, Chris brought some home made cookies that his mom made. They were outstanding. I've know his mom for probably 35 years and she loves to bake.
Right before we took off, we heard this roar and Chris was able to get the action shot!
https://imgur.com/jvLmp3S
Chris and his boat at the takeout!
We had a great lunch at Big Belly's again. Bob and I had the steak 'n cheese subs which were great. Chris filled up on the small (2 patties) smash burger.
It was a great day of fishing and relaxing. Home by 2pm.
Time to go fishin' again!
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#2 Aug-28-25 9:06PM
- drxfish
- Patagonian Toothfish
- From: Sterling
- Registered: Jan-04-14
- Posts: 3471
Re: 8-28-25, UP
What an awesome report! That 20.5 is a BEAST! Great job, guys!!
That catfish skeleton looks like the one the Eagles and Vultures were fighting over last week.
Last edited by drxfish (Aug-28-25 9:08PM)
Always wishin' I was fishin'
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#3 Aug-29-25 3:01AM
- Oubassman
- Northern Snakehead
- From: West Virginia
- Registered: Jan-12-23
- Posts: 247
Re: 8-28-25, UP
That 20.5-in smallmouth is an absolute pig. Congratulations on one heck of a day on the raft!!
Nice job catching the chopper flying by on the action shot. George and I were out today and had a similar experience. Only it flew right over the middle of the river directly overhead of us. Unfortunately neither of us got an action shot!!
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#4 Aug-29-25 11:05AM
- Bryan
- Patagonian Toothfish
- From: Bealeton, VA
- Registered: Mar-18-11
- Posts: 1353
Re: 8-28-25, UP
Beautiful smallie! What a great day.
tight lines
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#5 Aug-29-25 6:20PM
- JimmyC
- Member
- Registered: Jun-10-25
- Posts: 1
Re: 8-28-25, UP
Nice fish and cool setup. Many thanks Ernie for getting me into the forum.
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#6 Aug-29-25 6:46PM
- Ernie
- Administrator
- From: Ashburn VA
- Registered: Feb-03-06
- Posts: 16313
Re: 8-28-25, UP
JimmyC wrote:
Many thanks Ernie for getting me into the forum.
Glad we were finally able to get you in! Welcome aboard!
Time to go fishin' again!
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#7 Sep-02-25 4:19PM
- backtofuturetoyota
- Patagonian Toothfish
- From: Stafford
- Registered: Jan-12-12
- Posts: 1168
Re: 8-28-25, UP
Dang, some huge fish! looks like such a cool day. great job guys!
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