Just got in from one of the more unusual experiences I've ever had while fishing. And it doesn't even involve a fish.
As the sun was just starting to recede beneath the treetops, I decided to take advantage of the fading light and throw a buzzbait along a grass line in a wooded cove at Lake Ellerslie (across from Jacobson Park in Lexington). After about a dozen casts, the buzzbait was about 20 feet off the bow and slowly churning the surface when, seemingly out of nowhere, a huge owl silently came in from my right and deftly picked up the bait. With a couple of strokes of his large wings, the bird began to rise, my bait securely in the grasp of his talons. I was dumbfounded. The enormous owl, which I believe was a great horned owl, was so close that I could have spit on him as he lifted. Instead, the only thing I could think to do (and thinking had nothing to do with it, it was pure reaction) was to yell "HEY!" and hit the release on my spool.
The bird had gone about 20 feet past the boat and was about 10 feet in the air and climbing as I hollered. I don't know why, but he dropped the lure at that point, continuing on about 30 yards and landing on the shore. We both stared at each other for a few seconds and then he took to the wing into the woods. Now, apparently frogs and reptiles are included in this owl's diet, so I suppose the wake of the buzzbait sparked his interest. But what impressed me most, the more I considered it, was just how fearless he was. I fish with my dog and this owl was not the least bit bothered by how close we were to his meal. And I'm impressed with how stealthily quiet he was. I never heard him coming and he never made a sound as he flew off with his dinner.
Having had an opportunity to reflect on the encounter with this majestic predator bird, I have to wonder what would have happened had he not dropped the lure. I would like to think that I would have had the presence of mind to cut the line quickly. My gut reaction was to hit the baitcaster release, a timely move given that the hook was about to set itself. What's even more amazing is that the buzzbait had a trailer hook! And neither hook snagged his talons. I'm left to wonder if my shouting startled him or, probably more likely, the metal bait didn't feel like the meal he was expecting.
Now, from time to time, I've had bats swoop down on a lure as it was arcing towards the water, but this is a first for me. Not sure what the possession limit is for owls
Reply With Quote
Originally Posted by Boone
