Met up with nosehookrook last night to charge LMV. We got to the lake at around 6:30 or 7. We were both throwing the 9" slammer the entire night. Not too long into the evening I got a 4lber on the slammer. Felt good to actually catch something for a change. So we work down the shoreline a little ways and i'm standing in an area where there's lights from inside this house shining on the water so i can sort of see in the water. It was one of those weird 6th sense deals where I dragged my plug about 3 feet along the water after the retrieve was done, just for no apparent reason, and right behind my plug is about an 8-9lber. Hard to tell in the dark, but it was a big one so I'm saying bigger than 3 smaller than 12, somewhere in that range... We went for a dry spell for awhile until history was made. I throw my slammer up into this little corner of the wall and just let the ripples clear out. Before I could start cranking it got slurped. I set the hook and the rod bends to the handle. Definitely a solid fish. I get it in close and get a look at it and it's definitely over 13. Dane exclaims how big it is as I can't really get a good look since I'm standing back from the water a little bit. He asks if I want him to lip it and I tell him to, so he reaches down, but it has WHISKERS. I almost died right then and there. Now, the new problem is that this 15lb catfish has my favorite slammer in his mouth and there's a wall that's about a 3ft ledge down to the water. I couldn't bounce a 15lb kitty 3ft up, especially risking my slammer, so I was forced to go in after it. Dane took my rod and I got on my stomach, and with some coaching from Dane, the catfish landing expert, I was able to grab it's tail with one hand and slide my left hand under it's belly. The first attempt didn't work too well as it slammed my hand into the side of the wall and busted my knuckles up, but the second attempt I managed to throw it up onto the ground. So, we've got this catfish with like 4 or 5 hookpoints in his head and no pliers on us, when the lake patrol decides to make their rounds. We were out of the 'designated fishing area' so technically he could've busted us I guess. We didn't take a chance and Dane grabbed my rod, I grabbed the catfish (still attached to the slammer) and we ran into the bushes. As we were hiding there, I used a stick to dislodge one of the stubborn hooks and we got that thing back in the water to harrass another bass fisherman someday. Unfortunately we blew it and weren't able to get a picture because of the fact that we were hiding in the bushes, but also because my bag was way far away. So after utilizing some breathing techniques and putting myself in my happy place, we continued on. Not much else happening and we ended up turning around and calling it a night shortly thereafter. Perhaps the funniest part of the whole thing was that as we were driving to the lake I was mentioning how I'd never caught a catfish on the slammer... lkafhorhoaho oh well, so close.
-Brian

Brian,

That's a cool story, it's always fun to catch something different than bass while bass fishing. I have gotten a few catfish on senko's and even crankbaits.

I was wondering is there any way to fish lake mission viejo if you are not a member. Is there anyway to get on the lake with someone just calling you in the gate or does the member have to be present.

By the way were you guys fishing from a boat or from shore. It sounds like a boat, but how did you get to the bushes so quick.

Bozzo

We were fishing from the shore. The lake closes to boat traffic after dark. I'm fairly certain the member has to be present while you're fishing.

Thats to funny...I could picture you makeing a run for the bushes with this big ol cat.Then peeking out of the bushs looking for the patrol guy while trying to get the hooks out with a stick. To funny brah!

hey great job. I was wondering why would u have to be with a member? Me and my buddies wanted to got up there and fish. Agaian great job!I want to go fish there but i dont have a buddy thats a member that sucks.
Thanx

Good story Brian #1. I'm getting a pass soon so we'll have to do some poaching this winter. By the way, I'm publicly stating that I am Kevin #1. My ego made me do that. JK Take care brutha!

what a blast!!!! Kitty's on the plug, I have never seen a fish get hooked soooooo knarly, well done Brian, we will charge again whenever you are ready, more slimy's go in tonight!!!!
Dane

No problem Brian, just report your catch to the papers, it will show up as a 15 lb. largemouth bass caught on a saltwater plug. Dashing!!!!

Nice job on the 4 pounder, you just knew the Slammer would get them there.

Seems to me there's been a fair amount of posts about people catching big cats on plugs...

Which makes me wonder - If a huge cat (100 lbs+ or thereabouts) was hungry enough - could he/would he eat a big bass? With all the other things bass have to contend with - the idea of a huge cat eating a trophy bass is kind of mind blowing.

I believe guests must be accompanied by the member to use any of the lake's facilities unless the guest purchases a Gold Pass.

>>"Gold Pass - This pass allows an out of town guest who is visiting in a member's home for a period of five or more days the use of the facilities without having a member accompanying them. The Gold Card guest is responsible for purchasing general admission and fishing passes when using the facilities."<<

im gonna start throwing a 10 pound swimbait.....it looks like a bass and it sinks very fast.....im gonna be the first to catch a hundred pound cat on a lure......San vincente here i come.

I thought fishing was off limits till the opener on Saturday, or is that just for the Trout.
I want to throw some big baits?

>>"I thought fishing was off limits till the opener on Saturday, or is that just for the Trout."<<

The lake is supposed to be closed to ALL fishing until Saturday, Nov. 16.

That's not what the lake patrol told us. He said specifically that fishing was allowed, but only in the designated areas. That's all I can tell ya.
-Brian

>>"He said specifically that fishing was allowed, but only in the designated areas."<<

News to me!!

The LMV newsletter states, "The lake will be closed to fishing from all points from Tuesday, November 12 until Saturday, November 16 when the gates open at 6 a.m."

Sounds like you got away with murder. :-)

Gotta work this weekend so catch some for me!!!

NICE!

Dane told me he fished with one of the Brians! I never know who...

Bet it felt good to get your line stretched.

Matt