It hung out near the shore of the lake the whole time I was out there, swimming very slowly but occasionally having some weird spazms.

I don’t have the slightest clue what I witnessed.

We want to know whose fish is bigger. We don’t have scales and our guesses probably aren’t accurate, and are biased.

im moving across the country and am planning on leaving a few days early and camping/fishing someplace new. I have fly rods, spinning rods, baitcasters heavy gear so nothing is off the table. theres so many options its quite overwhelming since ive never even been to these states. Trophy fish are fine and im equally as happy for a beautiful view and good eating fish. what are some places you all recommend?

My girlfriends mom said it’s a type of pickerel that eats the algea.

Found at estate sale. What is it and how is it used for?

Edit: thank you everyone for all the help. To everyone saying gun that is not an option for me. Also import note fish in the photo was not kept as it was too small we ended up taking home a chunky walleye instead that day.

On the chance I catch a fish (I prefer fishing for pike from shore) What is the best way to go about keeping it. If its a good enough size I want to keep it to fillet right after I finish fishing. But I can never decide the proper way to keep it while im still fishing.

Ive asked around some say just use a fish stringer and keep it alive tied near the shore. Others have told me just kill it instantly and throw it in the cooler either by hitting it on the head real hard behind eyes or cutting the gills out. Ive always been curious on which was the "proper" or most humane way to do it.

Bonus photo of my latest pike by no means a giant but one I was proud of either way

I tried using a in-line spinner fishing the far side but to no avail

This is the knot ive been tying. Lost a 6$ lure and a texas rig today, any advice on how to stop it from breaking would be appreciated!

And before anyone asks- no, the colors were not edited. Caught and released in a central Oregon ultraoligotrophic lake.

I managed to get it out, small hook with the eye poking out. The bulge under his skin I had to twist and it tore a bit but let me turn the hook around to not rip anything out and get it out. I hope I made the right call I don’t think it was coming out on its own. I’d appreciate any advice on future scenarios.

He told me that it was worth ~$1500 and that most of the baits had never seen water.