well, the way things have been with the warmer temps - it’s great to know the fish never give in.
Headed out for an interesting day with a buddy. The sum of it - great day. While he played with sauger, there were a couple quillbacks on the end of my line. I had a monster cr@p… uh, er, I mean carp on the end of my line - and in error (used to) I guess … I palmed the reel in lieu of letting the drag do its job … boing ! - hook to the LH bird. But - the doubts about my rod holding up to a big fish are now relaxed (a bit). Later, my fishin partner was taken for a walk … almost got it …
man - take a look at the arc in that rod … 
figgured a 40ish lb carp
After he departed - I played with a few sauger - nothing much else.
The following day I played some more and tagged loads of goldeye.
And also managed to be confused by this
(I was confused until I studied the pics)
A few good outings anyhow … but as all good things must come to an end - I’m afraid fishin’s done for me for a spell … wife bust her ankle up Sunday - took surgery, a plate and screws to fix … so she’s laid up for a while … then again … 
darrell,