The one that didn't get away

Karl Foerter of Hanmer recently pulled a massive 25-pound northern pike from Nepahwin Lake. Supplied photo.

Feb 08, 2012- 12:16 PM

By: Jenny Jelen - Sudbury Northern Life Staff

Pulling a fish with a 20-inch girth from a hole in the ice isn't an easy task.

It took Karl Foerter at least 15 minutes to make it happen.

On Feb. 5, the Hanmer resident went fishing with his son on Nepahwin Lake. Shortly after dropping a line into the crystal-clear water, Foerter found himself reeling in a 25-pound northern pike.

As he wrestled with the giant fish, he was able to catch glimpses of it.

“His head was so wide I didn't see his eyes,” Foerter said.

Once the fish was out of the water, Foerter was able to measure him. At 47-inches long, the pike was almost the same height as his son.

Foerter said the pike was the largest fish he had ever caught — he has plans to bring it to a taxidermist to preserve his trophy catch.

Posted by Arron Pickard

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11 Comments

kb 2/18/2012 5:44:56 PM - Report Abuse

That's disgusting. Should be ashamed!
st.croix 2/13/2012 4:24:15 PM - Report Abuse

i agree what a shame to kill it you have enough photos and the measurements to get a fiberglass replica done and to top it off you let the world know
Zen 2/10/2012 12:45:40 PM - Report Abuse

I was walking my dog on the lake Super Bowl Sunday when he pulled this fish out about 100 yards away from me. I went to see the fish afterwards and I asked him if I could take some pictures. I sent them to his email right away but I was not sure if he had got them or not. Looks like he did! Glad that I got him a few pictures of his trophy right where he landed it. I am an avid fisherman; always keep your camera handy because you never know.........Cheers to him, good job!
Karlos 2/9/2012 10:26:06 PM - Report Abuse

Hello I lived on this lake for over sixty years This fish is 20-25 years of age and to old to spawn anymore.He lives off small ducklings and baby Canada Geese on the lake he will even eat small dogs or cats swimming in the lake.Even the small mouth bass and splake don't stand a chance with this monster roaming in the lake all I can say is watch your fingers and toes in the water and don't wear any shiny jewlery I know of two more like this in this lake.
JBender 2/9/2012 11:33:12 AM - Report Abuse

I agree with others that a large fish like that should have been returned to the water and live to spawn another day.
Oh!Really! 2/8/2012 6:27:23 PM - Report Abuse

The best fishing lakes are those that are surrounded by asphalt roads.
murmee 2/8/2012 4:54:12 PM - Report Abuse

that is a shame the poor fish deserves to live and produce lots of babies they are the backbone of the chain...
InMyOpinion 2/8/2012 4:17:28 PM - Report Abuse

Nonetheless, congratulations on your catch!
InMyOpinion 2/8/2012 4:16:43 PM - Report Abuse

Wow! Waste a fish just so this guy can "mount" it?? What about taking mesurements and photographs, and ask your taxidermist to replicate the fish from fiberglass? You can still release the fish and have your trophy! What a shame.

Pork&Beans, well said!!!
Pork&Beans 2/8/2012 3:36:15 PM - Report Abuse

"Several researchers have shown that older, and often larger, fish play an important role in the health of a population: due to their larger size, they produce not only more eggs, but also eggs of better quality with higher chances of survival". (Fisheries and Oceans Canada)

1.Take photo.
2.Catch & Release.
3.Keep only the ones you want to eat.
4.Smaller ones taste better.
listenup 2/8/2012 1:41:59 PM - Report Abuse

I wouldn't eat it ! Its full of PCB's.This lake is well known for its PCB levels and I wouldn't even touch it!

Nice catch though...wash your hands !