Fighting larger fish

[rizzo]

I also learned of a way to turn a fish that works suprisingly well. When a fish makes a run toward a rock and pulls line steadily it has its balance or "has its head". Most when fighting a fish, pump the rod in one long pull and then reel to try to get the fish in. I feel in a situation like this that if you make a series of short pumps and quick reels in between, you constantly knock the fish off balance and you can easily turn the fish even with lighter tackle. Its hard to describe, but it does work.

[RIROCKHOUND]

E:
Braid;
Locked Drag
Single Hook Bucktail worked well at you know where for me last year...
That spot is due for a look SOON

With plugs I'm a moderate drag kinda guy, unless you REALLY need to turn a fish...

[kippy]

Originally Posted by Eben

While i did just land a big bass, i really dont get alot of them, but when I am out I will always keep my drag almost locked down. This will help me really set the hook. Then after setting i will reach down right away and loosen the star drag a bit- Because of this style that i fish, i am considering switching to the avet lever drag, but i digress. I keep the drag tight, set the hook, loosen a tad and let the bass run. when its running I am standing still waiting for the bass to slow. As soon as it stops i start winching after i feel that i have turned its head. I try to get them in quick so I can release them..

oh, an if your drag is too tight after you set the hook, the bass will start head shaking. before i started loosening my drag after setting the hook, i lost a lot of bass... my guess is that with the braid, the bass simply rips out the hook. keep it loose and let them think they can get away...

I think you can get away with a locked drag the whole time with mono.. but with braid you have to have a loose enough so you dont rip lips.

my 10 ¢

I like this technique Eben. I fish braid so I'm going to try it out. I usually keep my drag loose but will try tightening it for the hookset and then loosening it up.

[Rob Rockcrawler]

I go with the mental aspect, if i hook up large i just tell myself that i got this fish beat. Usually works. When i need to move it around a rock or something i usually just thumb the spool on my Abu. Also when using topwaters some times i will thumb the spool real quick on the set just to get a good set then let the drag do the trick. One thing ive noticed that throws off the fight on a large fish. If its gut hooked the fish seems to fight like dead weight, not too lively of a fight. It happened a few weeks ago in the canal, a 38" fish felt like a schoolie, i was sure it was under 24 inches and when i finally saw her i was shocked. Good knots, hooks and undamaged line is the biggest key.

[Pete F.]

Thanks for this thread and to all who contributed. Last night I loosened my drag and decided I'd take my time if it felt like a good fish. Landed a 40" =/- fish in Maine, pretty sure it was 40 or over but it has to be over up there. Measured it quick in the dark by myself with a led light and it was almost high tide and a steep beach with large waves so I did'nt have time to mess around if the fish was going to make it back in.
I've lost a number of fish that felt like that one with my drag tight, trying to horse them.
Only minus was it was'nt on my own wood but a sure strike bottle plug.
Thanks again
Pete