Techniques for Handling Big Fish
by Herb Allen
Frequently big fish are lost at boatside though they appeared to be tired and ready for the gaff or net.
Two reasons for these mishaps often center on the fishing line itself and the angler's landing technique.
Today's monofilament line has built-in stretch. When this stretch is combined with a properly set reel drag, chances are that a surging fish out and away from the boat won't cause a line to part due to the mono's elasticity and the give in both the rod's tip and reel's drag system.
But when the prize is next to a boat, a rod tip is bending with little flex remaining, and there's insufficient line between the angler and the fish to take up shock. As a result, a sudden, close-range jolt made by a fish during its final try for freedom will often cause the monofilament to snap.
To overcome this dilemma, you can "give" with a fish by having your rod tip up and positioned to drop forward, thus cushioning any shock. You can prove this to yourself by taking a length of low-test monofilament in your hands and jerking. Parts immediately, doesn't it? Now take another piece and snap it sharply to the right (or left) while, at the same time, allowing the other hand to travel in the same direction.
What happens, of course, is that the "give" toward the right (or left) prevents the line from breaking.
Other factors may enter into losing a fish for no apparent reason, including a poorly set drag, line frays, and improperly tied knots.
It's always better to set a reel's drag light, somewhere between 25 and 33 percent of the line's advertised breaking strength. For example, on 8-pound test, set the drag so that only 2 or 3 pounds of straight pull need be exerted to cause the drag to slip. For 12-pound-test, set it for 3 to 5. And so on.
While battling a big fish, additional drag can be gained by cupping your hand around the reel spool (in the case of a spinning reel) or thumbing the spool on a level-wind reel. Fingers and thumbs can be released quickly in the event of a sudden lurch and the light drag again takes over.
Many fish encountered have teeth. Those species which don't usually have an abrasive mouth. Either way, monofilament line can be nicked or frayed after one or more battles. A quick check of the line after landing a fish or missing a strike will reveal whether or not the line near the bait or lure should be removed.
A good rule calls for retying if you feel any roughness between your thumb and forefinger. An ounce of prevention? You bet.
But, someday soon, it could mean the difference between landing that trophy fish or telling a tale about the big one that got away.
