Had about 20min this morning to make some casts from shore around Houghton Beach Park before the work day started. Still had a 4” hula grub on ½ ounce football head tied on my line from last week… but since I knew I was really short on time, I left my tackle bag and all my stuff in the car. I just grabbed my rod and walked down to the water. This was a grave mistake…

Spent the first 15min dragging shallow (4-10’) where I had the most luck last week, but couldn’t get anything to pay attention. Kept getting hung up in brush, and I didn’t want to risk breaking off the only rig I had on me.

I casted out deeper into 25’, and really just tried to inch it along the bottom as slow as possible. Patience paid off and finally got a nice big strike and set the hook. This one immediately felt much bigger than the average bear. Was a great fight all the way in, and I was happy to pull such a fat smallie out of the water. Had to be close 3.5-4lbs.

My personal goal for the last 2 years has been to crack into the 4lb territory, and it seems like every time I get lucky, I never have my scale on me to make it official! I’m kicking myself so hard for trying to pack light. Mark my words, this will be the last time! lol.

I wanted to thank everybody for all the advice and direction I have taken from this site and the forums, it has really made a difference this year. Its only mid-may, and I have caught more 3lb+ fish than I ever have before. I seriously appreciate it. I’m feeling less and less like a amateur.

Tight lines.

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