Aaron Slack (left) is holding a 6 pound, 2 ounce small mouth bass he caught in Brevort Lake June 21. Standing next to him is his father, Carey Slack. (Photograph courtesy of Paula Slack)

Aaron Slack of Holly caught his own birthday present, a small mouth bass, June 21, while fishing with his father, Carey Slack, on Brevort Lake.

While trying to net the 6 pound, 2 ounce bass, Mr. Slack fell off the boat.

As his son threw him a life jacket, Mr. Slack said, "Never mind me, just get the fish."

They took the fish to King's Fish Market in Moran for an official weight. Jimmy Gretzinger of "Michigan Out of Doors" happened to be at the market and interviewed Mr. Slack.

His bass was registered by the Department of Natural Resources as the largest small mouth bass caught in the state so far this year, and he was awarded the Master Angler Award.