Wednesday, July 21, 2010

Mega-bucket

(Above: There are big bass and then there are “mega-buckets” 21.5-inches in length and nearly 7lbs. Yes, it is rare that I measure or weigh a fish. This was one of those times.)

“Mega-bucket” ‘me-ga ‘bu-ket, noun. Definition: Very large cylinder with large opening or mouth. Also Colorado largemouth bass over 20-inches in length with an official weight over 5lbs.

There are a few terms coined for bass fishing that should not be used lightly. Hawg, pig and even monster bucket are terms that I have used to describe the fish that I have caught in Colorado. Mega-bucket is a term I use for those really amazing bass. These are the fish that make me spend hours of research, throw away too much money and force me to drive 200 miles or more for.

You would be surprised how many people try to pass a mere 3-pound bass off as a Colorado 5lber hawg. Even I throw out a lot of guesses in regards to a particular fish’ size. This was one of those rare moments where I actually measured the fish.
As much as I would like to say this fish hit my new custom jig combos that I have been throwing lately, admittedly this fish hit a plain-Jane 5” Senko in black and blue. Mr. Yamamato, this fish is for you. @#$%%^ love these baits!

A video montage is in the works of a MAD Show episode where Don and I tangled with a few of these mega-buckets over a two-day period with some extra material worked in.

My name is Matt and I’m a fishaholic.

19 comments:

Mark Kautz said...

Hey Matt. Maybe they should require a picture with the Mega-Bucket hanging off one of those handy dandy Berkley Digital Scales. Won't be any 3 lbers passed off as 5's.

Mark

Sunshine Morrighan said...

That is a fabulous fish ... 'nough said!

Little Messy Missy said...

Did you eat him????

Anonymous said...

Okay, now you're just rubbing my nose in it! I used Gary Yamamato bait at Fernan Lake!

I am waiting with "baited" breath for your MAD TV episode. How long were you out fishing before you caught that thing? Maybe if I quit my job and fish full-time, I will catch my own mega-bucket. I just hope I don't end up living in a VAN DOWN BY THE RIVER! Oh, wait... That was SNL.

Kalei's Best Friend said...

Beautiful fish!. btw this is a dumb question: was he a keeper?
and fished for trout? haven't had fresh trout in years! i miss it.

Dog Hair in my Coffee said...

I have no specifically related intelligent fish comments, except "Wow!"
(And check your email sometime, too!)
Laurie

Coloradocasters said...

Shoreman, I am going to confess that my previous scale was a POS spring loaded type with a tape measure. This thing was worthless for anything but a length. After this fish I went out and bought a Berkley digital scale that holds 5 weights in memory. When I catch one that registers over 11.5 pounds...I will post that picture.

Coloradocasters said...

Kim, research was the key ingrediant for catching this fish. Learning key biological facts in regards to prime weight and activity are where to start. Secluded locations with prime habitat is second and nearly as important. Lastly, work that water frequently during the prime time with relentless determination. Note: I do not have a van but do own a truck. Down by the river...I am almost there! ha ha

Coloradocasters said...

Oh I forgot one last detail...this fish was tossed back and put on a rigorous shad and crappie diet. Next year I’m hoping she weighs in at 12 pounds. I have a dream.

Clif said...

Nice work! 12lb next year...a man can dream.

Jodie Kash said...

Gee damn, now that's a fish.

...and I thought all the boys measured ;)

Coloradocasters said...

@ Jodie Kash: Nice! Let’s just say I am not easily impressed. This one made me break out the tape.

Anonymous said...

Now that's a whole lotta gorgeous if I've ever seen it! Beautiful fish. Congrats Matt!

Anonymous said...

Thanks for the fishing advice. I just watched The MAD Fishing Show. That was great! I'm inspired!

Raz said...

Whoaaa...

Wolfy said...

Great Fish!!

I have 2 comments , too.

1) I used a Normark Digital scale for years, and this year it quit on me during my Alabama trip. Never got a weight on 4 fish that went over 8, with 2 (I believe) over 10. I went back to manual and got a Boga - no electronics or batteries.

2) (This is my opinion only - please don't take offense ) I love to see the actual size of a fish. A 6 pound bass looks great no matter how you hold them. I've always made it a point to keep the fish close to my body for photos rather than pushing them toward the camera. Sometimes they don't look as big as some other PHOTOS, but that is /was their actual size. I just don't like pictures where the persons fingers look abnormally large due to the fish being thrust toward the camera. Again - my opinion only.

Great fish and pics

Coloradocasters said...

Wolfy...love the comments. I can be absolutely scandalous when it comes to the forward hold. I just can't help it sometimes and it seems to really help in regards to the shameless fish bragging.

That is why I try to add video of a few fish as well...video tells more of the whole story.

In my opinion, Colorado buckets in the +5lb class are hard to come by. They deserve all the glory that I can give them with a little push towards the camera lens. To each their own.

Michael Agneta said...

Wow...a little late to this post, but that is one impressive bass. Definitely worth all the time and research in pursuing. Senkos are my favs too - the smallies in my neck of the woods just crush 'em.

Coloradocasters said...

Welcome aboard, Travis! See? I do catch a decent fish once in a while.