Pump house gang strikes again aka-2008 Year of the Mahseer

Home is Bhakra Hilton, run by Sandeep and his father Pavan, we just took over the place, charpoys were quickly assembled and voila-home.

Tackle readied, we cast along the banks this gang uses only plugs and spoons…though Henry being a carp man did break out his masala mix and tried bait fishing.

Lalaji and the art of zen fishing

The boat comes by and we go out trawling-Henry scores a quick brace –both about 2-3 klg, Sanjay lands his first mahseer-the grin is on from ear to ear.

Kenneth and Henry close at hand to show me the moves…

Well after seeing the effort required the previous day, I was taken by surprise to see another major run, this time in a 360 Deg- another 100m line gone, notch up the drag and continues on the pump and wind. After a good 20min,about 20ft from the boat, the fish surfaces and a collective ‘‘AHHHHH, big one” goes up. Me? all I’ can think is- I have enough line and my hands are not shaking too much…another run-shorter this time, I can hold the fish, a yet shorter run and I get it close to the gunnels. Lalaji nets it and Kenneth and Henry help in unhooking-Big?I may catch a 50kg later but this was my monster fish.
Pic session done, fish released in good cheer-amazed our Capn Preet-a lad all of 13 years, who was temp’ing for his dad, “you let the fish go??!!”

Rod -Rowen Tackle 100-300g Mahseer
Line- 30lb Sufix braid, shock leader of 20lb mono
Plug-Reef runner