21lbs of Glidebait Bass on the James River

I Had No Business Catching a 21lb Bag This Day

Some days on the water just hit different. You know that feeling—you launch the boat not expecting much, maybe a couple of decent bites if you’re lucky, and then somehow… everything falls perfectly into place.

That was this day.

It started like any other quick trip—just me, my toddler, and my dog on board. Not exactly the setup you’d expect for a 21-pound satchel of James River Bass. But that’s what I love about fishing, man. It’s unpredictable. It’s humbling. And sometimes, when you show up, even if the odds are stacked against you… the fish reward you for it.

The Setup: Two Baits, One Mission

With limited time and even less deck space, I made a call early on: I was going all in on just two baits—the Bucca Brand Trick Shad and the Megabass Vision 110 +2.

No backup plan. No safety net. Just full commitment to confidence baits.

The Trick Shad, if you’ve never thrown one, is a thing of beauty. That slow, lazy S-curve on the retrieve, the way it glides through the water like a nervous shad or bluegill—it’s pure big-bass candy. It’s not the kind of bait you just toss around for numbers. It’s a commitment bait. The kind that forces you to slow down, trust your gut, and fish with intent.

When Magic Happens

The first fish told me everything I needed to know. It wasn’t huge, but the way it ate—aggressive, committed, no hesitation—told me the big ones were in the mood.

So I stuck with it.

Then it happened.

Out of nowhere, a 6lb 12oz giant absolutely crushed the Trick Shad. You know that sound—the one where your heart skips a beat and the drag just locks up? Yeah, that one. That fish told me everything I needed to know: it was going to be one of those days.

From there, it was pure chaos. Big bites, wild fights, my toddler yelling from behind, my dog losing her mind—it was beautiful madness. By the time I put the rod down, I was sitting on a 21-pound bag. And honestly, I still can’t believe it.

Why This One Mattered

This wasn’t just about catching big bass. It was about what those moments mean.

See, for me, fishing has always been more than just a hobby—it’s the way I stay grounded. It’s how I reset. It’s how I remind myself what matters most: family, freedom, and chasing the life you actually want to live.

That’s why I started The Kurrent—to show that you don’t have to settle for the 9-to-5 grind if your heart’s out on the water. You can build a life that lets you fish more and work less. You can pass that passion on to your kids. You can live the life you deserve.

Final Thoughts

I had no business catching a 21-pound bag that day—but sometimes, when you trust your gut, when you lean into the moment, and when you believe in what you’re doing, the universe (and the bass) meet you halfway.

If you’ve been thinking about throwing a glidebait, this is your sign. Grab a Bucca Brand Trick Shad, commit to it, and slow down. You never know when your next cast might be the one that changes everything.

Stay in The Kurrent.

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