Scandinavian Angler Lands Maryland Record Northern Pike
By Capt. Brent Nelson

Simpleton, Maryland-April 1st
Loof Lirpa had no idea that a fishing trip on Maryland's Deep Creek Lake would turn out to be a life changing experience. The three hour road trip, from Baltimore, with his future father-in-law, Norom, was one for the record books on Tuesday.

The duo launched their boat, in the rain, at the State Park and fished most of the morning in the Turkey Neck sector of the lake with little success.

"Norom and I were trolling jerkbaits and only caught a few small pickerel and one walleye which we immediately returned to the lake." he said.  "I decided to switch over to a bait we use in Sweden called a "Dumbbell".  It's a No. 6 Lefty's Deceiver smeared with Fish Dope and has a 5 inch live sucker attached to a trailer hook," Loof stated. "The big pike hit the rig at 10AM and I fought her for twenty minutes.  When she came to boat side, she was to big for our net, so I reached down and grabbed her by the gills and just hauled her in. We got most of her in the livewell and then called DNR officials."

The fish weighed an amazing 36 pounds 14 ounces on official scales. It eclipsed the previous state record of 24 pounds, 12 ounces, held by Shawn Jacobson, by more then twelve pounds.  

Department of Natural Resources spokesman, Officer Willie Makeit certified the catch and is in the process of transporting the fish to BASS Pro Shops, Outdoor World in Handover, Maryland, where it will take up residence in the public fish aquarium along with other state record fish.

BPS Outdoor World Public Relations director, Betty Wont, was skeptical about allowing the large pike free reign in the tank, thinking that it may eat some of the striped bass that already swim there.

In closing, Loof Lirpa wanted to remind all Maryland anglers to spell his name backwards.

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