Everyone who goes fishing probably has a story about "the one that got away." Often, it includes details about how big it was and how hard it fought. But in many of these cases, that heartbreak and regret could have been avoided by getting better at the art of reeling in fish.
It goes without saying that big fish fight much harder than small ones. An encounter with, say, a monster bluefin tuna would require much more elbow grease than one with a tiny crevalle jack. So once you get a bite from a big fish, you have to be ready not only to play it but also to properly reel it in so you donât lose it.
Â
By the way, don't miss Baitium's shirts featuring some of our favorite sea creatures -- perfect for your next fishing trip!
Â
Now on to the tips:
Â
Get to know your rod and reel before heading out.
Â
Youâd want to be familiar with the rod and reel youâre going to be using. As mentioned before, the rod and reel pairing need to be compatible for maximum comfort and ease. Your reel system, whether itâs a baitcaster or spinning reel, should also be well-suited to the fishing situation and your skill level as an angler. Practice with the mechanism so you donât end up fumbling with it in those crucial moments when youâre reeling in the big one.
Â
 Make sure your fishing line matches your hook.
Like your rod and reel, your line and hook size should also match. Generally, the lighter the line, the lighter your hook should be, and vice versa. There has to be a good balance, or youâll end up snapping your line or losing your hook.
Â
You also want to think about where youâre casting. Tackle up strong if the area is fairly weedy or has a lot of obstacles. Lipless crankbaits, creature baits, and flipping jigs are also great for avoiding snags in such areas.Â
Â
In open water, meanwhile, you can get away with using a lighter line and a lighter hook if the fish youâre after isnât that big. Obviously, bigger fish would require heavier lines.
Â
Check out this article to learn more about the different kinds of fishing line.
Â
Timing is key.
Â
When youâve gotten a bite and the fish is swimming and pulling line away, reel against the drag and maintain steady pressure. Once it slows down or stops, then itâs time to reel in. Avoid the temptation to rush it. Reeling in too fast can spook the fish, which is the last thing you want to happen. A good rule of thumb is to allow five seconds between each turn of your reel handle.
Â
When you do get a bite, keep the rod bent instead of having it straight.
Having the rod bent at an angle of about 45 degrees helps you put steady pressure on the fish. It also prevents the line from having too much slack, which will definitely give you trouble reeling in your catch. That bend even allows you to use the rod as a shock absorber as the fish flails and thrashes.
Â
Having said that, you donât want to have too little slack, either. If the line is way too tight, you wonât be able to reel in anything at all. Pull the fishing line in quickly and steadily, paying attention to both the angle the rod is bent and the speed youâre reeling in your catch. Adjust as needed.
Â
Aim to understand fish behaviors better, especially the ones that affect reeling.
For instance, itâs worth knowing that fish can sometimes escape when they feel resistance on their tail but aren't actually hooked by any part of their body except for their mouth or gills (depending on what kind of fish). This happens because most fish have sharp teeth that can cut through fishing line easily. Therefore, if there is no pressure on them from being hooked by another part of their body besides just their mouth or gills, then they are able to break free.
Â
Also, when youâre fighting with larger fish, you have to avoid applying too much force and instead opt to simply maintain tension. Maintaining tension tires them out from struggling, which is their natural instinct. Pulling too hard can also break your fishing line or dislodge the hook from the fishâs mouth.
You might want to check out these related posts on fish biology and behavior:
Â
Have your net or harpoon ready.
Avoid losing the fish in those critical final seconds of the fight by being prepared with your net to scoop it beneath the surface of the water and ease it into your net. If youâre using a harpoon, have someone else on standby with it while you maintain your grip on the rod.
Â
They say that luck is when skill meets opportunity. With these tips, you can decrease the chances of losing that fish by having those skills when that big one bites. Reeling in fish is an art, much like casting and making presentations. Donât forget that the key to successful fishing is patience and practice, so don't beat yourself up over a lost lunker. Learn from your mistakes, polish your skills, and youâll be sure to successfully land the next one!
Â
Don't miss our other posts, such as Weird Lures Worth Trying or How To Find The Perfect Fishing Spot. Check out our blog for other awesome fishing resources!
MOST READ NEWS:
Ice Fishing: Gear, Rig, Techniques, and Safety
Ice fishing is a unique and exhilarating experience that allows you to catch fish in a way you've probably never tried before: standing on a frozen lake or river, peering into a hole you've just drilled through the ice, and pulling up a fish on a line. For the uninitiated, the idea of ice fishing might raise some eyebrows. But once you give it a shot, you'll find it's an enjoyable winter pastime that keeps you fishing all year round.
Bait Shops Near Me: How To Locate Local Bait Shops
Knowing where to find quality bait is essential for a successful day out on the water. We'll walk you through various methods for locating bait shops near you, key questions to ask when visiting a new shop, and the perks of opting for live bait. We'll also share some practical advice on how to keep your live bait fresh after purchase.
Why Does My Fishing Line Keep Getting Tangled?
When it comes to fishing, dealing with tangled lines can be super frustrating. What's worse is that they can mess up your chances of catching fish, damage your gear, and waste a ton of time. Being patient and building a deeper understanding of what causes fishing line tangles is important. By learning what causes these tangles, you're taking a step forward to make sure your fishing trips go more smoothly, and you get to enjoy those beautiful catches.
Corn as Fishing Bait: Pros, Cons, Rules, and Alternatives
The use of corn as fishing bait has been a favorite among anglers, whether pro or beginner, for quite some time. The common golden grain is a go-to for catching a variety of fish, won't burn a hole in your pocket, and can be used in a bunch of creative ways. But itâs also caused a lot of confusion and controversy among fishing enthusiasts, because of two reasons: one, some states have specific regulations in place about the use of corn as bait or in chumming, and two, because of concerns surrounding its impact to the environment and on fish.
Why Fishermen Wear Neck Gaiters
Just like everybody else, we anglers have personal preferences. Live or artificial bait? Saltwater or freshwater? Catch and keep or catch and release? Despite these differences, though, some of us do still share some similarities as fishermen: one of them being the fact that we wear neck gaiters when going out on fishing trips.
Cast Far, Catch More: Why You Should Consider Using Braided Fishing Line
The angler's world is full of choices, and among these, the braided fishing line is a versatile tool that shouldnât be overlooked. With its unique blend of strength, sensitivity, and versatility, it might just be the missing piece of fishing gear in your tackle bag.Â
Minnow Traps Made Easy: Effortlessly Trap Live Bait for Fishing
After having been fishing for so many years, I've come to appreciate the many tools and techniques that enhance the fishing experience. Among them, the minnow trap holds a special place. Now, you might wonder what's so exciting about a device that catches tiny fish? And why do you need a minnow trap when you can just buy bait at the local tackle shop?