At Outdoors360, we’re excited to offer first-person perspectives on some incredible outdoor experiences. Whether it’s world record fish like this monster speckled trout, an amazing hunt, or simply an unforgettable adventure, we’re all about the outdoors – and we’re all about changing the way you experience it online. This story is courtesy of Luke Ledbetter. Ledbetter and his guide, Capt. Peter Deeks, chose to measure and release this trophy trout. It measured out to a new IGFA record of 87 centimeters (34.25 inches).
Over the Labor Day weekend, I was tripletail fishing with my brother, Stephen Ledbetter, my wife, Misty, and my nine-year-old son, Dalton near Orange Beach, AL. Being on the water again, I began replaying in my mind the events of June 2nd of this year. That was the day of a fishing trip I will never forget.
It was an early morning. The weather was good. I was going on a charter fishing trip my dad had booked for us with Peter Deeks of Native Sons Fishing near Indian River, FL. Because of a last minute cancellation, my dad had been able to book the trip with Peter inshore fishing for specks, reds, and snook.
I often fish near Orange Beach, Alabama for speckled trout and redfish, frequently catching trout of around 8-pounds, which are big fish in this area. On this day, I wasn’t particularly looking to catch trout, but was more interested in snook, since I had never caught one. On that day, I wanted to catch some fish that are not as available in South Alabama.
We met Captain Peter Deeks that morning at the dock and headed out fishing a cut to the Indian River. At that location, I caught a nice jack crevalle. This not being our target fish, we soon relocated. I am a Christian, knowing that God is in my every move and that He has a plan for every day of my life including this day of fishing. In hindsight, I can see that at this point, for whatever reason, God choose to begin a day of wonderful blessing for me.
In the Bible, we read of Peter, who was a “Fisher of Men.” On one occasion, Jesus asked Peter to step out of his boat and walk with Him on the water. Coincidentally, on this day as we fished in shallow water, our guide, Peter, also got out of the boat and pushed us into an area too shallow for using the motor.
Now, Peter Deeks did not walk on the water, but he did instruct my dad and me where to toss our bait to have the best chance of hooking something.
The strikes came quickly with my dad catching a 5 pound and me catching an 8-pound trout. I then hung two fish that pulled the line through my index finger, cutting a gash. Angered by my own ignorance of holding the line with my finger, I lost both fish. We felt both were probably good sized snook.
With a fresh mullet minnow, I then cast right at the early morning sun. The water was still, like glass. As I pondered upon the greatness God’s creation, my bait became frisky. I sensed something was about to hit. Bump! Bump! Then a crash. The fish was on a straight pull. With drag screaming, it went to the right. In my mind, I thought, “I can’t believe it, here’s the snook I’ve heard my dad speak of with so much enthusiasm!” After a second long run with line peeling, the fish surfaced. It was not a snook, but a monster “gator” trout. Disappointed? Absolutely not! I had caught specks before, but not like this. Nervously, I worked the fish to the best of my angling ability…..heart pounding, eyes wide…worrying whether or not I had set the hook well enough.
When the beast was netted, Peter said he thought this was a record. When he said that, it did not register with my dad and me that he was possibly speaking of a world record. Possibly he was speaking of a record for his boat or Native Sons Charters. I had no idea what a blessing God had in store for us at that time. Peter immediately measured, recorded and released the fish. He then called I.G.F.A. to report the catch. About this time, reality begin to set in. Wow! An all tackle length world record!
In the weeks to come, my catch was recognized on The Discovery Channel, in numerous magazine articles, even in Field and Stream. But the truth is, I did nothing but go fishing. For whatever reason, God had a special blessing for my dad and me on that beautiful day that we will never forget. My desire was to catch simply a snook. When I reflect upon the fact that God’s desire was not a simple snook but a world record speckled trout, I feel sort of dumb for being so “picky.” So, thank you, Lord, for doing Your will instead of mine and for the pleasure and opportunity to enjoy your creation.
Luke Ledbetter
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Photo of Luke sporting his Outdoors360 gear and the mount of his brand new world record!
