The Happiest Kid in Montana With His Monster Catch (and Release)

It's the tale of a grueling battle with the one that did not get away. But it did get to go back in the water.

MAJOR FISHING MEMORY MADE FOR MONTANA YOUNGSTER

Angela Montana from the Montana Outdoor Radio Show shared her account of kid vs. fish, and points out that if you’ve ever hooked into a big northern pike, you know they don’t exactly use manners while on the line. They fight like a chainsaw wrapped in a wet blanket.

For 60 minutes, Tyler Arnold was locked in an underwater tug-of-war on the Flathead River with a creature that was like a submerged log with teeth.

Tyler's opponent was a monster that stretched a whopping 44 inches and tipped the scales at 27 pounds. It was a battle of wills, drag systems, and adrenaline.

Flathead River Fishing Reports

But the best part of this river drama isn’t the catch. It’s the clean getaway.Instead of turning the behemoth pike into a wall mount, Tyler opted for the ultimate sportsman move. After a quick photo op to make sure he had bragging rights, the might northern was successfully released back into the river.

READ MORE: Amazing Collection: Travelers' Rest Free Grizzly Bear Art Exhibit

Congratulations, Mr. Tyler Arnold. What a day you had!

BLACK BEAR ENTERS A TENT AT BEAVERTAIL JUST EAST OF MISSOULA

Unfortunately, this Montana creature was not so lucky.

Montana Fish Wildlfie and Parks

In a non-related story, Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks tells us that a black bear entered a tent at Beavertail Hill State Park campground on Tuesday morning. Campers were in the tent, but fortunately nobody was injured.

Montana FWP responded and was able to locate and euthanize the bear. The bear had become habituated to people and remained in the area looking for food and other attractants.

Beavertail Hill State Park is just over 25 miles east of Missoula right off Interstate 90, and currently remains open to visitors.