The downstream movement of the float stalled almost imperceptibly, momentarily slowing the drifting spawn sac’s dance along the current seam. In the world of trophy brown trout fishing, however, sublety enhances acuity. Reflexes take over. In that instant, I swept the rod forward as it bowed under the immense weight of the huge brown. Anticipation became reality, and I questioned all the preparation that came before the take. Was my leader strong enough? Was my knot good enough?
As the tug-of-war continued, I felt a rush of adrenalin, and I started wondering how big the fish might actually be— 20 pounds, 25, or impossibly, even 30 from a stream? The fish was all power, and I didn’t get a decent look at it until midway through the fight, which only…
