Back in the 90's, I made an ill-fated trip into the Tick Lake PMA to Jackfish Lake. The jackfish in this lake are much like what was reported in the latest BWJ. We were not warned about these monsters, we had only heard vague references to them. We dismissed them as fables and were ill-prepared for what we would face.

We failed to carry the 7-strand steel cable, to be used as line. We also did not cut & trim a jackpine to be used as a rod &/or club. Rather, we were fishing with ordinary tackle. My buddy hooked one & made it so mad that it rocketed out of the water and consumed my buddy as it dove into the lake. I was soaked from the splash and horrified at what I had just witnessed. Then fear gripped me as I realized I was all alone on a remote monster laden lake.

I few yards away, I heard a faint cry for help. It turned out to be my buddy who had managed to trigger the monster's gag reflex on the way down. I paddled over and helped him clean up. It turned out that other than a shock reaction, he was none the worse for wear. We left immediately and promised never to reveal the actual presence of these monsters. But I know our secret is safe, because no one will believe any of what they just read...