Imagine seeing this while bumping around the lake!

After  putting this article up on the site, we recieved an email from the originators of the pictures. Below is the story as it was sent to me.

Thanks Bill and Pam!

 

 

"Billy saw this basketball floating in the water, went to investigate and found the catfish was attempting to swallow it.  Obviously failed, and couldn't go under because the ball was keeping him at the top...Billy pulled the mast off our 9 ft. sailboat and used it to push the fish closer to shore where he waded out to try to get the ball from the catfish’s mouth. 

He couldn't get the ball out of his mouth, so I ran inside to get a paring knife.  Bill made several attempts to pry the ball from his mouth, but no luck.  So I gently punctured the ball and while Billy squeezed the air from the ball I took the last few pictures.  The last pictures show him successfully removing the ball - what an adventure!  Fish apparently doing fine haven't seen him any more since then."

Not something you come across everyday.

Acting responsibly the guy decided to rescue the distressed fish.

Trying to bring the fish closer I imagine.

Upon bringing the fish in, they realized the only way to get the ball out was to cut it, and let it deflate.

Safely removing the ball.

Subsequently, the flathead was released without harm, and thanks to folks like this man, there is one more flathead out there feeding, growing, and spawning for future generations to enjoy! Definately a once in a lifetime occurance!