Oakley Big Bass update.

Two days, ten hours a day, 192 anglers and 1 amazing experience. I will preface this by saying I was unable to place in the top seven per hour. The overall experience was great, the fishing was good, just didn't get the quality I wanted or needed. This was my first time this far north on the St.Johns and my first time dealing with tidal conditions. A beautiful 8.82lb bass took top honors(and a new Nitro Z7) I missed several nice fish, one in particular. Had my Lunkerfrog tied to 35lb Sufix 832 braid. Bringing the frog out of a dark pocket at first light. Double twitched and paused, what happened next is the thing of anglers nightmares and the exact reason we keep trying for the elusive beasts. A surge came from under a blown down tree, a huge boil, and a full arial performance, this was the fish I had been waiting for. As I arched my 8' Abu Garcia Veritas, and the load was on, my drag started slipping on the hook set. Wait, what!!!!! Was this actually happening? Yes, my drag slipped through the hook set. I have never had this happen. I can only assume that at some point I had lessened the drag or maybe just didn't have it set enough. I also wonder, since this was my first time running braid over my usual 20lb mono, did the no stretch line have been a contributing factor. As I write this, and replay that one moment, I am reminded why I live and love this sport. You don't always win, you don't always catch the kicker fish needed, but we, as humans, are intrepid, we will continue to learn and grow. So while it pains me to say I did not place in any hour, I had a blast and a few head in my hands moments, but I will be back, fishing the Oakley Big Bass with a few lessons learned and maybe some insight from other NPS anglers. I have to thank my friend and Oakley Tournament Director, Scott Gordon for the incredible job he does with this tour. I also know the show couldn't go on with out the rest of the Oakley/GoPro crew. Thank you, can't wait for next year.