Personal Best Walleye on Missouri River

Jason Mitchell catches his personal best walleye on the Missouri River south of Bismarck, North Dakota. Will never know the weight of this fish because there wasn’t a scale in the boat but we believe this fish was close to or could have possibly surpassed the North Dakota state record. Incredible experience. The first fish of the morning was a fish that we would guess to be a solid eight pound fish. The second fish was much bigger.
North Dakota has a no cull law that basically prohibits releasing a fish once the fish is in the live well which reduces mortality from anglers upgrading fish. Because we didn’t know the exact weight, we quickly decided to release the fish so hopefully some other lucky angler can experience such an incredible thrill. How big do you think this fish was? We have held many walleyes up to twelve pounds over the years but never personally seen a fish that had this length and girth.
Gear we use:
Jigs:
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Plastics:
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Setup:
Leader: jasonmitchelloutdoors.link/se...
Braid: jasonmitchelloutdoors.link/be...
Rod: jasonmitchelloutdoors.link/sc...
Reel: jasonmitchelloutdoors.link/sc...
Jacket/Bibs:
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[@reesem.6036]

I’ve never had more respect for the decision you made

[@mattwaste5590]

The most humble face of fishing! I’ve watched this thing like 8 times

[@JasonMitchellOutdoors]

🤙

[@aaronmeyer9431]

Jason you're a legend for practicing what you preach. Love seeing others clean up the outdoors and get rewarded

[@sbiebert]

The unexpected is at least part of the reason we all fish. Awesome to see someone who has handled more walleyes than most ever will get that excited... love it. Thanks for all you do for the sport, couldn't have happened to a more deserving guy!

[@NPLife]

The 1 person who dislikes this video must just like not being happy. There isn't a darn thing not to like about this one!

[@GODS_OUTLAW]

It was the person who threw the garbage in the water

[@eddaeges9309]

"Fishing is the best pill to take for Corona" Amen brother. How true. Fishing can help everyones mental state at this time.

[@WaterandIceOutdoors]

Such a beast of a fish. Like I said on facebook, mad respect for releasing that fish. You are one of the best ambassadors this sport has. Thank you!

[@hellekson59]

I love seeing those big fish swim back down. Thank you! Congrats on that memory and that fish!

[@nickpeterson1778]

Biggest Walleye on film! That thing is in a different category- the girth. Jason is so HUMBLE. #WORLDCLASS

[@blakehague7296]

This video shakes me up. God damn good job Jason . Gos to show I’m going to assume what’s hooked. You just never know

[@markberg1562]

Jason, Congratulations on catching a fish like that. What a great thing to have video of. The expressions on your face after the release are priceless. Thanks for sharing the experience and the words of wisdom of why to release a fish like that.

[@ssdpqd2531]

What a fish! I’m so glad you released it! Congratulations!

[@AAbleFishingCharters]

That's so awesome, and what a great, lifetime memory for two great friends. Isn't that what it is ALL about??

[@NicoleStoneOutdoors]

Watching this made my heart race and I even knew the outcome! Incredible fish. Thanks for throwing it back so average people like me can go back there and dream of catching it!

[@scottdowns2934]

Great video Jason ! Congratulations to you and your friend. I really enjoyed it.

[@SalmoNorthAmerica]

Incredible fish Jason! Well deserved!

[@josephbiebert4567]

Absolutely incredible! Huge fish! I gotta say idk if there is a more deserving guy than JM to have the ND walleye record if it was. Cool either way! Congrats!

[@JoeWalterOutdoors]

What an absolutely beautiful fish, what dreams are made of... Congrats Jason!

[@pete5819]

Successful release shows true professionalism. The fish could become a world record

[@hljackson191]

Wow! Jason, you are da man! What a monster...Congratulations!

[@daveyoung6647]

Congrats on a once in a lifetime fish! Incredible walleye!

[@beerbuzz62]

Jason you are a true professional Congratulations on your pb Awesome

[@codygilbert313]

Nice fish Jason! I admire your decision. great video!

[@NPLife]

Love it man! I caught my personal best walleye on Wednesday at the tailrace. 12.76lbs! And I got it all on video! Beautiful fish

[@JacobJohnson-kn3ze]

Such a great fish and love the additional commentary! Couldn’t have happened for two better guys. Pure class all the way - will remember this one for a very long time.

[@jamierisovi707]

Great job guys!!

[@samsonitte1]

Amazing catch and even better idea releasing it!

[@mattwaste5590]

What a giant! Great job.

[@thelonesomefisherman7425]

Congrats, Jason.

[@TrapperBV]

Absolutely wild.

[@AC-kk3vo]

Great job, all around.

[@bobosterday3350]

When you let that fish go I subscribed to your channel! Good job

[@gregfoster6902]

Nice fish Jason !!

[@Gonefishing701]

Awesome!

[@kylelynn3574]

Congratulations Jason! I would say that you definitely got the better side of the Karma coin from the picking up that jug haha.

[@benjaminstats]

great job in order to catch a fish like that I someone had to release it at 30” your damn right and some day that little girl will catch one of Your big fish excellent job great message to be community

[@Beasel]

My dad caught a 30.5"x19.5" caught on Green Bay that went 14.33lbs. Looked very similar to this fish.... congrats!

[@twopassionsfishing386]

Great video friend

[@Railin10]

Huge!

[@griffindaking1813]

I live in Minot and I think this is great

[@joebaharian]

That's a great story that you will tell your grandkids.

[@jsbeton4622]

it’s such a monster!! 🍻 from quebec

[@Sub-it7zs]

Thank you for your attitude and respect of such a monarch! I live in Bismarck and heard about the fish before you had even gotten off the water that day. I think people in other states believe North Dakotans knife every walleye that enters the boat and nothing could be further from the truth. My dad released a 32" walleye with eggs a couple years ago and I couldn't be prouder of him for doing that. Keep the fishery strong. Let them go, let them grow!

[@heatmoon]

Real important especially on such a changing river. I tried a whole many weekwnds from shore and boat to catch a fish. Just used to lake features.

[@lloydspooner]

I caught a spawned out female that was 35" long and she weighed 15 1/2 pounds. Definitely not something I will ever forget!

[@griffindaking1813]

You should do shore fishing at North Dakota

[@antiquerocker1085]

WOW! Well Done... Props to Taylor .. Excellent camera work. Do you ever get to fish with Jason? I couldn't take just watching. You need to keep that plastic jug in the boat for good luck. Stay safe and God bless.

[@fdyhdfhy]

Dude. Put her in the livewell and get a scale from wherever! That was a giant. 35!?!? So big. Well done

[@BaadMotorFinger]

Lol I know that feeling! Might as well pack up the gear after that cause you already got what you came out for all these years hahah

[@C2CFisherman]

When in doubt.... every U.S. DOLLAR BILL is exactly 6 inches long, and a gallon of water weights 8.23 Lbs. Nothing say you can't put a few marks on your rods at select lengths. I have many marked and it's saved MANY an argument....and earned a few beers too! LOL

[@DouaVaaj]

Congratulations! What was the estimated length on it?

[@cdizz557]

Nothing like the big one

[@jeffcummings5688]

Jason,Congrats what an awesome Walleye.What is your presentation when fishing the Salmo Slick Shad?I couldn’t follow your presentation with the close up camera work.Every video I watch,I like to watch your rod and reel presentation;that’s part of how we learn to fish.

[@JasonMitchellOutdoors]

At times it can be as simple as casting and reeling but I often just glide or drag the jig a few feet at a time.

[@kristopherkapostins7385]

How long did it end up being?

[@pete5819]

North Dakota State Record

[@SALMONSLAYER06]

wow weird you didn't experience that infamous "thunk" when that jig is swinging into that sweet spot 2-3 o'clock on the swing. anyone that never cast swing jigs in river or current big walleye dig and hold in that current. vertical jigging doesn't do justice when u are over the fish not fighting current. fish like that the way he was fishing can straighten hooks if in heavier current. unreal nice job even better it was on camera and not just a big fish story lol

[@avail657]

What did she measure J? I know it's not scientific, but you're also a man of integrity. Rough guess?

[@walleyewalleye7600]

one dam cool story

[@trits3415]

Did you ever get a length on the fish?

[@Chris-pq2ie]

Jason, I would like to know the name of the yellow braid you are using and the leader material. I am in Texas and need some good Information for a Canada trip !! THANK YOU !

[@JasonMitchellOutdoors]

Ten pound Nanofil with 14 lb Seagur Fluorocarbon Leader. Good luck!

[@Chris-pq2ie]

@@JasonMitchellOutdoors Thank you ! ordered... I have been searching the internet what brand and size swimbait Head is that on the slick shad. I ordered some slick shads, but can't seem find the swimbait jighead you were using. I like the color....

[@JasonMitchellOutdoors]

Chris Northland Fishing Tackle Slurp Jig

[@andyanderson6668]

What I don't believe is a professional fisherman going out without all the tools,(i.e. scale and tape measure)

[@heatmoon]

Hardest damn place to catch fish with ever changing bars on Missouri

[@andyrenn6682]

I really wish these outfitters would keep their mouth shut about good spots like this soon as they do that the area ends up fished out and ruins it for everyone else while you and i respect it alot of people keep everything they can

[@miman-ck9jv]

I can’t believe you didn’t have a scale 🤦🏻‍♂️🤷🏼‍♂️🤷🏼‍♂️. 15 pounds

[@griffindaking1813]

First

[@evakowalczyk8037]

dude, nice fish. Where can I get one of your rods ?

[@headflat449]

We catch fish this size a few times a year on our local river. Nothing to write home about.

[@Humborg1]

Might mount a 38 inch maybe. Will mount 40 inch. Landed lots of 32inch 35inch . Got pictures and video. Send me your email and I'll send picture and it small video. 95% i have released over 8 or 10 lbs. It's a Very old fish. Nice catch.

[@trits3415]

Walleye don't get that big