A note from Blaede Russell (@blaede_russell):
“For those that don’t know, the Trophy Retrieve is when, rather than just putting the fly on the boat or on the floor and reeling in, you make the cast and actually fish the retrieve on the reel. Of course, this really only applies to predatory fishing.
Now, some non-believers will tell you it doesn’t work. But on this occasion, it did, and here’s the proof.
During a guide’s week while setting up camp with African Waters in Tanzania, we were lucky enough to make a few casts ourselves. On the very last cast, I decided, as always, to go for the Trophy Retrieve. I look back at the bois, and without saying a word, we all knew what time it was…
As I turn back around, I see the line tightening without me even touching it. I knew instantly the fly had been eaten. But to tighten up on a fish, let alone a tiger, from that far away is no easy thing. I’m left with one option: the trout strike (definitely not the recommended move for tigerfish). I set the hook, double-hand retrieve like mad to get back on top of it… and somehow, against all odds, it works.
Everything that could have gone wrong, did, but we still landed the fish. A hell of a way to catch a massive tiger, and something I’ll remember forever.
Sometimes, when it’s your day, it’s your day. Feeling very grateful for the opportunity to catch these fish. As guides, it’s not often we get the chance to do so ourselves.”
Reel of the Week from Blaede, be sure to check out his Instagram HERE!
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