Ok, I see this alot,,, fisherman who do not fish the correct way,
When you hook up DO NOT fight the fish with your rod tip up, when you do it's your line, drag, and hooks against the fish. USE your ROD!!!!!!!!!
Always Always Always pull from the left side or right side and use your Rod .
You may think I am nuts but it's what the Big Man told me. And it's the only way to land a large fish, Also a prayer helps
I hope this helps
VB