That is what they probably were. My friend who was with me called it a Squawfish, (which apparently is not the P.C. name for a Pikeminnow, which I just learned doing some internet research, trying to figure out what the hell it was that I caught). And yes, they did fight harder (and were bigger) than any fish I caught that day. It was a tough day.
Mine were on either a red copper john or a yellow soft hackle, I forget which.
I think I should just give up on this thread anyway… can’t give accurate directions… can’t name fish correctly…

i'll shut up now.