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Young Ohio angler catches, releases 45-inch northern pike that may have been state record

Sam Spataro and his monster caught – and released – northern pike are shown from the Mentor Lagoons in Ohio. (Photo courtesy Sam Spataro)

Sometimes dreams and wishes really do come true, and if you don’t believe that, just ask 13-year-old Sam Spataro of Lake County’s Mentor-on-the-Lake in Ohio.
On March 8 while fishing his favorite spot located at the Mentor Lagoons – one of the Great Lakes’ largest natural small-boat harbors that has direct access to Lake Erie – the youthful angler caught a 45-inch northern pike. And then after his (slightly) older brother Luca and an older fishing friend snapped a few photos, Sam did what’s he’s always done with the big fish he catches. He released it back into the water.

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