Little Lady, Big Bass: 104-year-old Reels In a Keeper
Little Lady, Big Bass: 104-year-old Reels In a Keeper Save Email Print
Posted: 10:24 PM Aug 5, 2008
Last Updated: 10:13 AM Aug 6, 2008
Reporter: Mary Rinzel with Photographer Duane Wolter
Email Address: mary.rinzel@weau.com

A | A | A

A nursing home's monthly fishing trip pulls in some bragging rights. The foot and a half small mouth bass is pretty impressive. But, the best part of this big fish story is the little lady who pulled it in.

"That wasn't very good," Rose Kunkel tells us after a short cast.

Rose might not have the best technique when it comes to casting, but Rose sure knows how to reel in the keepers.

"You just keep pulling. Just keep winding. Don't stop. Just keep going," she says.

At age 104, Rose recently pulled in her biggest catch to date: A 17 inch, four pound small mouth bass

“You just pull it in," she says.

It’s simple advice from a pretty spunky Ladysmith lady.

"She has a lot of energy. A wonderful personality. It’s kind of like working with my teenage kids," Ladysmith Nursing Home Activity Director Kara Douglass says laughing.

Kara says Rose wasn't originally a part of the fishing plan. The trip was guys only at first.

"We were talking about it in the dining room and I heard this little voice say 'I’ll go fishing. I love to fish.' I said "OK Rose, you can go fishing with us," Kara says.

After five minutes at the dock, Rose, in her little voice, announced her catch.

"I heard Rose say 'I have a fish!' and her pole was arched. I said 'Rose, reel it in! Reel it in!' And she goes 'I am! I am!'"

Rose had her fish, but, Kara didn't have a net!

"I didn't think we'd catch fish! Not big ones,” she says. “I was pulling the line and Rose was cranking and cranking and I swung it over and it landed at her feet and she goes 'Oh dear, that is a big fish and I didn't even spit on the bait for good luck!'"

Turns out Rose didn't need the luck and was just happy for her chance to get outside and fish like she's always loved to do.

"It's always nice to be near the water. I've known how to fish since I was small," she says

And after 104 years, Rose Kunkel now has her very own big fish tale.

Rose will get to keep her trophy bass. Kara says Wildlife Creations Taxidermy is mounting the fish free of charge for the Kunkel family.

More Stories
Wisconsin wardens on the lookout to avoid spread of VHS

Offensive fireworks yanked from shelves

Couple weds on parade float

How to respectfully dispose of an American flag

Picnics and Protests Highlight Area Fourth of July Festivities

Share Your Memories of "Hoffland"

WEAU 13 News Director John Hoffland passes away

Sarah Palin announces resignation as governor

Post Your Comments
First Name:
Location:
Enter Comments: characters left
Email (optional):
By posting this comment I have read and agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy:
You must agree to the Terms of Service to continue.
Read Comments
Comments are posted from viewers like you and do not always reflect the views of this station.
Posted by: anonymous on Aug 6, 2008 at 04:35 PM
You go, Rose!!

Posted by: Anonymous on Aug 6, 2008 at 12:36 PM
What a great story. It brought a smile to my face today! To the person below. If you watch the video it shows her with the fish.

Posted by: Sandy Location: Fall Creek on Aug 6, 2008 at 10:18 AM
What a great story of a great lady! Thank you!

Posted by: BOBBIE MCFADDEN Location: HARTWELL GA on Aug 6, 2008 at 08:48 AM
She's a wonder! (So's the fish!)

Posted by: Linda Location: Madison on Aug 6, 2008 at 07:57 AM
Would love to see a picture of her with her fish!

WEAU 13 News poll
Have a Happy 4th of July Weekend!