Lifting this giant striped bass out of the Beckman net was all Nate could do.

A cloudy, dreary, drizzly, March day turns out to be a fantastic day of striped bass fishing on the Sacramento River. Fishing guide Mike Rasmussen and his crew took to the Sacramento River in search of trophy striped bass. The recipe for a perfect day of striped bass fishing was in place. The trio of anglers set out on their fishing trip. Launching their boat at a popular launch in the northern region of the Sacramento River. It was an action-packed day for sure. Expectations were immediately met. When just like that, one of Rasmussen crew hit a hard hook set with his Phenix Rods Co, 9 foot M1 Inshore. Driving the tethered treble hooks inside the mouth of a giant striped bass. Which engulfed his 11” glide bait boat side. Right in front of the anglers eyes. The two minute battle was won quickly by angler (Nate), as he cinched the 30 pound drag down on his Concept Fishing 13 casting real, and went to work on the beast with the M1 Inshore ( view emended YouTube video below ) This enormous striped bass was possibly over the age of 40. Measured nearly 51 inches in overall length. Tipping the scales somewhere between 48 and 52 pounds. Unfortunately after she was revived and released by fellow angler Nate Barber. Disappearing back into the depths of the Sacramento River. She was located alive but upside down in the swirl of a back current. Just below where she was released. Some time later that morning. A private angler had come across her and quickly tied her up to his boat. Understandingly so! The old girl had expired. By choice angler, Pacific_Ghost made the decision out of respect for the fish, to have her mounted. To be displayed and for stories to be told. This being a harsh reminder of the consequences behind not immediately releasing the fish. A lesson learned.

Mike's Fishing Guide Service for Sacramento River fishing targeting King Salmon, Striped Bass, White Sturgeon, American Shad and Rainbow Trout. The Best Sacramento River Salmon Fishing Guide and Striped Bass Fishing Guide on the Sacramento River.