I’m always a bit skeptical when watching outdoor videos online; is the action authentic, or was it staged or recreated?

The 50-second video below appeared on my Facebook feed recently. It was posted by Michigan Outdoor Obsession, and the text accompanying the video stated, “This little boy is a legend. He is hooked for life.”

I’m thinking this video (I assume a private pond) takes place as portrayed, and if so, that’s outstanding. As a father of two boys (now in college), some of my greatest fishing memories are of my sons when they were 4 to 12 catching decent-size fish of different species.

This big bass is probably bedded (spawning), and the kid hooks it on a white jig. He names the lure brand, but I can’t understand what he says.

(Sidebar: IMO, it’s a bit odd that the dad deliberately seeks out the jig on the ground, asks his son “What did you catch it on?” and then holds the lure in front of the camera. Maybe the dad has a stake in the lure company or knows the owner? Maybe I’m imagining it, but it seems a bit forced.)

The kid obviously has excellent fishing skills for his age. His hook set is perfect, as is his technique while fighting the big bass. It’s clear this isn’t his first big bass, and he knows exactly how to hold it.

Congrats to the young angler!

P.S. There are many comments online about whether the family released the bass. I have no evidence to support my opinion, except the observation that this isn’t the dad’s first rodeo, and the same is true for the kid. I say there’s zero chance they kept/killed the bass.

Note: For best viewing, be sure to click full screen and turn up the volume.