Finally got a gold pin

[manitron]

Mass DFW just notified me that I won the gold pin for adult largemouth bass catch and release for 2023. I had given up on it since it has been well over a year since I landed the 23.75" 8lb. 14 oz. larry on a leftover medium shiner from trout fishing. You never know  when its the right place and right time. Funny thing is I pulled her through a 6" hole with no issues. She happily went back in without any problems. The picture is the one that I submitted as required for catch and release so it does not do the fish justice . The guys next to me happen to run the local fishing derby so they had all the right tools and expedited the release.

[bogtrotter]

Congratulations, Manny!

[IceDog88]

Wonderful accomplishment to be to achieve a gold pin, and be able to be caught again someday.

[tomb raider]

Congrats

[manitron]

Thanks, I appreciate it.

[DowneastPescador]

Great catch. When they wanna eat they’re gonna eat!

[lowaccord66]

Glad to hear Manny.

[pmaloney86]

Congrats Manny!  Heck of a catch.

[Sam Gee]

Good catch Congrats!

[Jschumacher]

WTG congrats Manny

[SHaRPS]

Congrats Manny! I will see you there! Say hello.

[Rangerboats391]

that's a PIG! nice work

[Steve H.]

Holy smokes!! Don't get to see a bass like that very often. Congrats and thanks for posting!

[Shinerhook]

Awesome fish. Rare to catch one that big.

What time of day? Was it overcast? By looking at the ice it seems to have been a day with a temperature spike?

[BASSQUATCH]

It was awesome to hear that Manny . It was great fishing with you again on Sunday.  I wish I had a tape measure on me the day I got my 9lb . Although I don't think they were doing the C&R pins then?  It was March 29, 2008 .
Funny how close the girth looks compared to mine .
That's one hell of a catch and one to be very proud of.  See you again soon 👍
 

[manitron]

Awesome fish. Rare to catch one that big.

What time of day? Was it overcast? By looking at the ice it seems to have been a day with a temperature spike?

It was noonish ,mostly overcast, and the temperature was on its way up there {shirtsleeves}.

Thanks for the salutations everybody. I appreciate the friends  that I have made here over the years.

[Comeonnow-]

Great fish Manny.  Congratulations !!!

[SirCranksalot]

Great fish but I thought it was a SMB.

 

[BASSQUATCH]

Great fish but I thought it was a SMB.

What made you think it was a Smallie ? There's a photo to look at.