Tug on the Line

I crept right up to the smooth stones near the water's lip. A sudden shadow darted under the lily pads—gasp!—and sent concentric ripples straight toward my feet. I didn't wait. I leaned forward and dipped my hook near the cluster of sunken stems. Then—yank! The line snapped taut so fast my boots skidded across the moss. Dig in! Dig in! I locked my knees, dug my heels into the damp grit, and hauled backward with everything I had. Up came a heavy, dripping pinecone cloaked in green pondweed. My arms are shaking, but I held my ground!