The other Sunday, I wanted to go fishing. The creeks needed some water, so I headed to the mighty Susquehanna. I stopped at Wegmans with my kayak strapped above. I grabbed a quick coffee and ran into a few chums. They asked where I was going, and I simply pointed to the Market Street Bridge.

I parked near the train tracks on the South Side. Carried my boat and gear a good 300 yards. I waved and spoke to many folks who were walking on the path that morning. It was a gorgeous day in North Central, PA. I started paddling upstream as I wanted to hit some structure and maybe fish the dam.

I threw a cast next to a concrete support. There I let my Heddon Torpedo float. I gave it a slight twitch and saw an immediate splash. These are my favorite lures to catch smallmouth bass. They mimic a distressed baitfish or a wounded frog. Fishermen would agree that a topwater bite is the very best. Whether it’s a dry fly or a plug, a visual explosion to indicate when to set the hook is paramount.

It was a decent-sized smallie. They are pound for pound the top local prize. He was putting up a good fight. I was using my ultralight rod and reel combo and 6lb.-test. This is my usual setup for the Susquehanna River from my kayak. It wasn’t a monster, but I suddenly noticed something strange. Everything came to a complete standstill, and it felt like I was snagged.

I tried to get closer to see what was wrong. Perhaps the bass was wrapped around a log. As I approached, I saw a golden flash. My drag began to scream. I was so puzzled as it happened so quickly. Occasionally, bass will travel in groups, and you sometimes hook more than one. The Heddon Torpedoes have double trebles, and I have landed two fish at the same time. I have a picture to prove it.

I continued to battle and tightened my drag. I was somehow gaining momentum, and I was about to get my first glimpse. My heart was pounding, and my hands started to shake. OH MY GOSH. I was definitely fighting two fish. OH MY GOSH. I not only had a bass, but there was also a massive Muskie on the line. This was unbelievable. A once in a lifetime experience. This elusive predator totally came out of nowhere and inhaled my Smallmouth. She refused to let go, and my poor bass was in her jaws. OH MY GOSH.

I did the best I could but quickly realized I didn’t have a prayer. Remember, I was in my kayak using a 6 lb.-test. I wasn’t equipped with a net either. I considered paddling to the shore, but there was no way I’d keep them both hooked. The bass was still in her mouth, and it felt like I was doing circles, and I was hanging on for dear life.

It was just a matter of time. I knew I had to do something fast. No one would ever believe me unless there was evidence. I immediately grabbed my phone and started to record. I was holding my rod with my left hand, as I began to describe. “I just hooked a Muskie — I don’t think I am going to land it — The fish explodes from the water — OH MY GOSH!” Perfect timing.

Unfortunately, I lost both fish, but I managed to capture some incredible footage. A few of my good friends helped me splice my video, and a few of our still frames are now going viral. I am not kidding. My posts were shared on several fishing pages and platforms. EVERYTHING SMALLMOUTH currently has 4.3k likes and hundreds of comments. I have also been in touch with In-Fisherman for an upcoming article. Dude?

Sure, it would have been great to land that muskie under the Market Street Bridge. But I am extremely blessed to have had the brief opportunity to tangle with a Susquehanna River monster from my kayak. Several have asked my thoughts on the size. I don’t know. 36 or 42 inches, maybe. Heck, next week it may climb to 50. I am also thankful that I decided to quit fighting the fish(es) and came home with proof of an unbelievable fishing story. Cheers.