It was a nice Friday night about 11:30 pm, and the air was just right. A friend and I were fishing for striped Bass, and having very good luck, until about 2:00am, and things started to really slow down, we were wondering if maybe we should pack it up or sit it out. We decided to give it just a little longer, and for laugh's I grabbed my crappie pole with a cork on about three foot of leader with a med blue back herring made my cast and waited. about an hour went by and in an instant he hit it. That fish hit so hard I could hear the rod crackle. I fought him for what seemed like an hour, was only about six minute's. Once I got him to the surface I was dumb founded at what I saw, it was the largest black crappie I'd ever seen. I netted him grabbed my scale's and tape to get a quick measure and my hart sunk into my chest 5lb 9oz  21.4 in I told my buddy we got to get out of here, I need to get this guy home and quick. Soon as I pulled in the drive way I grabbed the cooler and ran into house, at the time my wife was asleep so I quietly put the fish in the refrigerator I knew it would be Monday morning before the taxidermist opens. I was so excited I just had to go back to the lake. Back at the same spot I fished for another five hour's and caught two striped Bass and that was enough so I loaded up headed home, my beautiful wife was in the kitchen wiping off the counter I asked what she thought of the fish, she said the one in the fridge I said yes that one she said it was nice, I said what do mean was I opened the fridge door and my fish was gone. Sweet hart were is my fish? she said while you were gone a friend of her's came by and saw the fish and wanted it, my sweet wife gave it to her. I was speechless I said baby that was a hard to find prize I may never see another like it. I grabbed the phone called the friend and she informed me that It was already cleaned and ready for lunch. I avoided my wife for few hour's and realized it was my fault I should of stayed home. I forgave my wife and I'm glad I did, on Nov. 20 2010 I lost my wife in a car accident that's two that got away I miss my wife and would trade a fish like that any day to have her back.  If you get any thing from this story I hope it's love your wife and all way's give her the benefit of the doubt.

Thanks for your story Mr. Angler.
We tend to take our loved ones for granted. I lost my daughter to violence 25 years ago. I would gladly trade places with her every day.
Hold your loved ones close, tell them you love them, and cherish them every day. No one knows when it will be your, or their, last.

to lose a great prize like the fish is a shame but to lose your life partner----now that will take some time for the pain to ease. I had a grandson drown about 8 years ago and that hit pretty hard. Hang in, hang on but son't hang up.

Thank you fellow's, FISH ON