Having been an avid fisherman for as long as he can remember, Danny Kleinsasser had a momentous catch on June 20.
Kleinsasser landed a 30-inch freshwater drum from his dock.
The Manitoba Master Angler program awards fishermen the title of “Master Angler” when a freshwater drum in larger than 24 inches.
Most freshwater drums in the Lake Manitoba Narrows are 20 inches.
This is the biggest drum Kleinsasser has ever caught and reeling the fish in was no easy feat.
“When I saw it, I knew it was something big,” exclaimed Kleinsasser.
It took 15 minutes to reel it in.
“The fish took off a couple of times, but I finally got a hold of it with my net,” said Kleinsasser.
Because Kleinsasser was fishing with his dog when he caught the drum, he pulled the fish in and ran to capture the proof.
“I ran up to the renters in the cabin next door to take a photo,” Kleinsasser explained.
After the photo, Kleinsasser released the fish back in the water so others can experience the joy he did when catching it.
Visiting Lake Manitoba Narrows has not only become a tradition for Kleinsasser but a place where fishing brings him unparalleled happiness and peace.
He visits his cabin on the Lake Manitoba Narrows weekly.
“I just love morning and evening fishing up here,” said Kleinsasser.
For as long as he can remember, Kleinsasser has held a fishing rod in his hands. However, it wasn’t until the past two decades that he truly developed a passion for the activity.
Kleinsasser is enjoying his time at the cabin, which he considers his “happy place.”
“I just love being able to get away,” he added.
Kleinsasser plans to fish as long as he is able and he enjoys being able to get away from his work.
