Reporter's Notebook: Fisherwoman snags 30-inch flathead

Courtesy photo Vanessa Anaya shows off the 12-pound flathead she caught at Greene Acres Lake.

It was Friday night, and the Anayas were resting. Out of nowhere, Vanessa decided it was time to go fishing.

“I just had that feeling to go that day,” she said.

Less than 30 minutes into their trip, Vanessa landed a 30-inch flathead, which she and her husband estimated to be at least 12 pounds, at Greene Acres Lake.

“I’ve been catching 4- and 5-pounders, but nothing like that,” said Dale Anaya, who taught Vanessa how to fish before they were married 30 years ago.

The two have been fishing about two or three times a week ever since. Dale admits his wife usually catches more fish than he does.

The pole Vanessa used was equipped with 25-pound lines and baited with nightcrawlers. She said it was halfway bent after a long struggle to land the flathead.

“She thought it was going to break, but it didn’t,” Dale said. “She got it all the way in. It took her 10, 15 minutes.”

Dale said when he took the photo, Vanessa was so tired from the struggle she couldn’t lift the entire fish into the frame.

Reporter’s notebook was compiled by CNJ staff writer Kevin Wilson. Suggested items may be mailed to Managing Editor Rick White at P.O. Box 1689, Clovis, NM 88102. The e-mail address is:

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