Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) Region III employees strive to uphold the mission of the agency, which is to preserve, conserve, manage, protect and enhance the fish and wildlife of the state and their habitats for the use, benefit and enjoyment of the citizens of Tennessee and its visitors. Many stories encourage employees to continue their hard work, upholding the mission and Pete Masic’s story has done just this.
Mr. Masic has lived in Tennessee the majority of his life. As a matter of fact, Mr. Masic moved to Chattanooga to work for the Tennessee Valley Authority in 1963 and he’s been fishing Chickamauga or Nickajack Lake almost every week since that move. He raised his family on the lakes and his son often joins him fishing. Pete Masic, Sr., along with his son Pete, Jr. had set goals for themselves of catching a largemouth bass over seven pounds. Years passed, but neither was discouraged. As with most anglers, they just enjoyed being out on the water. Pete Jr. often shared with his father, “It’s only a matter of time, Dad”. Pete, Sr.’s time finally happened back in April.
Mr. Masic was fishing by himself that day. He didn’t set out for any specific honey-hole; he just worked his way along the bank, fishing shallow waters near docks and debris. He fished with a creature bait from his 18’ boat, enjoying the morning. As with all anglers, every cast held the hope of a fish catch and it happened. Mr. Masic felt the tug of the line. Fish on! The largemouth jumped from the water and he saw the size. He reeled cautiously because two weeks before he’d hooked another monster and that one got away. This one wouldn’t.
After three jumps and a run under the boat, Mr. Masic finally got the largemouth into the net. Would this be the fish he’d dreamed of catching? He pulled it into the boat, weighed it and couldn’t believe his eyes. Not only was it over 7 pounds, it was over 8 pounds. The fish weighed 8 pounds, 8 ounces. and measured over 23” long with a girth of 18”. Mr. Masic was careful with the fish. He and his son have always released bass. However this bass needed to be caught on film too. Of all days, Mr. Masic’s camera failed him. He called his son. His only words to his son were, “It was only a matter of time”. Pete Jr. knew immediately what his father had achieved. He met his father at the dock and snapped some photos. Then, together they released the fish.
When asked how he felt about catching his dream fish, Mr. Masic responded, “When you reach a goal like this, you think about life, family, security of living here and all of your blessings”. As most anglers know, it’s not always about the fish. It’s about being outside and the serenity and peacefulness of nature. Yes, it’s also about having goals and dreams and eventually meeting them. Mr. Masic now has a new goal, a 10 pounder.
TWRA employees hope all anglers catch their dream fish and that Mr. Masic achieves his new goal. Employees are grateful to hear these stories and will continue working hard to protect and grow the resources our beautiful state provides. For more information on fishing in Tennessee or the agency, visit tnwildlife.org.