Non moon phase trophy !

42" 20lber caught 10am about an hour after a snow storm. It was clear, windy and cold!

For all the talk you hear from me about moon phase fishing, this fish proves sometimes you just need to be on the water. As I got to the lake the snow was winding down. Within an hour it was clear and there was no moon phase. I didn't seem to have alot going for me! This photo is poor but it was the only one I got before my camera froze!

The scared pike another 42 incher was caught 3/4/07, day after full moon I think. I fought this fish for about 20 minutes. He had a huge head and I could not get him turned into the whole! I never use a gaff and release these fish. Also using mono leaders there is no horsing these brutes. All you can do is keep leting them run and try to wear them out. In the cold water conditions a good healthy release is never a problem.

Thanks to my ace photographer Renee Domini. Her hands were as cold as mine!