I didn't get to fish the weekend and was chomping at the bit to get out so I stole away this morning. Got on the river about 7:30 and by 9 had 3 fish up to about 11 pounds landed and released when Ike decided to pay my jig a visit. Apparently I didn't have enough line for his liking as he came out of the water once, hit the fast current and spooled me that fast. Only the 2nd time I've ever been spooled by a fish....he looked nice anyway!

Wow. What were you using for gear? A 1000's series Shimano and 4lb test? (JK)

I've only been spooled once, and came really dang close another time.

The first time when I was about 12. Fishing near the Ballard Locks out in a boat that was tied up to the bridge. Hooked a 20+ kinger on a gold Luhr Jensen spoon. By the time I got the boat untied, I had about 4 wraps left on the reel. That lasted about 2 seconds. Fish and all my line were gone.

The last time I *almost* got spooled was on the Walla Walla. Hooked a big 25+ pound B-run steelie that had come up (probably lost or wandering) the lower WW. I was on a bank with no place to go. The fish stayed on the bottom and on the other side of the river. The fish swam down stream about 120 yards - again, had about 3-4 wraps left on the biatcaster. I couldn't stop it. Most helpless of a feeling. Finally, I just put my thumb down and pointed the rod at the fish. Just when I thought the line would snap, the fish turned and I brought it back up river. I finally won the battle, but didn't have a camera or tape with me. It was a big, and I mean really big native. It was let go with no around to see it except me.

Ya just gotta love it when Ol' Ike pays you a visit! Better luck next time.
Greg