So, Ive just sorta been thinking of a few scenarios lately. Not because theyve actually happened ;) , but because I think they could happen. Question is, do these scenarios qualify as a legitimate catch.

Scenario #1: Im throwing a swimbait and on the cast my line breaks. As Im getting pissed, I look off in the distance and see my line sitting on the water but sinking fast. I run over and pick my line off the water just in time. Phew, just saved a bunch of money! Start hand lining my swimbait in and holy smokes Ive got one on! I hand line in a toad. Is this a legitimate catch, would it be legal in a tournament?

Scenario #2: Im throwing a large exspensive floating swimbait. My line breaks on the cast and I watch my bait set a new world record for cast length. As Im motoring over to pick my favorite swimbait off the surface of the water, to my horror, a fish comes up and smashes it. Bye bye favorite swimbait, ouch. I sit down to cool off, and pick up my jig rod. Ten minutes later, about 150 feet awasy a fish jumps, and then again. Could it be? I motor over there but the fish is nowhere to be found. As Im scratchin my head, much to my amazement, a bass floats to the surface with my super sweet toad killer swimbait stuck to its head! I motor over and net the fish. Is this a legitimate catch, and would it be a legal tournament fish?

Now, I just want to reiterate that this is strictly hypothetical. These scenarios have never happened to me or anybody that I know. Honest.