New Personal Best

[Navy Chief]

I just recieved my first Kistler Rod from Clifford last week and finally got to try it out. Actually 2 rods, one LTA HE70MHC and HE70HC. I went out for a couple hours to try my luck with the best weather of the year, put the boat in found the best water temp and started throwing a senko on my spinning rod. Caught a 2# smallmouth and decided to tie the rig on the 70MHC and try it out. Weightless it casted like a bullet and I was very impressed. Started flipping about 20 yards out and was messing with the trolling motor when I felt the tap ON SLACK LINE!!!!!! Reeled up and set the hook, solid hook-up......on a log, then the log moved. Turned out to be a 19 1/2" LM, keep in mind I am in the Pacific Northwest, so this fish is big for up here. When I lipped her and got her in the boat I was so excited I just sat there for a couple minutes marvelling on the size of the fish. Then I realized I didn't even have a ( - - blocked - - ) or tape measure in the boat, I measured her up against the rod, she went from the butt to the second wrap prior to the first guide, measured when I got home and she was 19 1/2" and 7" from the dorsal to her belly, I figured around 6#.

Cliff, THANK YOU for the chance to have this experience!!!!!!!

Chad Lukehart
Senior Chief
USS Abraham Lincoln

[bigpapajim]

Nice Job!