A Fish Tale at Fish Lake

Taking a little vacation time Friday afternoon, the family and I went fishing off the dock on Fish Lake, off the trails in in Maple Grove.

Expectations were low. We used corn kernels for bait and looked forward to a quiet afternoon lakeside, hoping to catch a few sunfish. And, then it struck.

The first time “it” hit our little fishing area, the fish went after my daughter’s line dangling in the water. It hit hard and quickly breaking the line and taking the hook. My husband followed with the same scenario and as did I within a half hour. After each line break, my husband took to fixing the damaged lines.

Three strikes later, I hit the jackpot - an estimated 15-pound carp near the end of the dock, using only two corn kernels as bait .

Relaxing and looking out onto Fish Lake, the initial strike by the beast shocked me. I grabbed my pole and line, not sure what to do. The fish just ran with the line, quickly swimming under the dock. In not one of my finer moments, I panicked and called for my husband as my kids rushed over.

I have been fishing before, but I was totally out of my league.

My husband quickly came over and asked if I thought I could bring it in. Thankfully, I turned over the reel to his experienced hands and let him fight with the carp. As my kids looked on, I ran for my camera so I could be ready for when it surfaced.

After tiring it out for 10 minutes, we finally got a glimpse of the monster fish that easily broke three fishing lines and hooks earlier. We were in awe - it was easily the biggest fish we had ever seen. Another five minutes later, he had towed it to the shoreline for release. Upon picking it up, my husband estimated it was the largest and heaviest fish he had ever brought in – around 15-pounds of carp. A short time later, it was back in the lake.

So, if you decide to go fishing for the beast off the dock in Fish Lake Regional Park and happen to catch him with some corn – make sure you say hi from me.