Spooled again

[Sea Dangles]

First of all,I think I know the difference between a seal, shark or even sunfish. You learn to recognize the pickup of a bass. I fish a VS 250 and had 280 yds of 50# braid put on by Mike Thomas at the last leg at his shop. I would guess I had about 40 yards of line out when I got a subtle pickup that seems to be the case the majority of the nights this year. I removed the line from the roller and let her eat for a short time. As she was swimming off and I felt the line run between my fingers ,I pointed the tip up and put it back on the roller.I pointed the rod at the fish and when it got taut I reared back and set the hook. It was game on and I never turned the fish. Once again, during the run I turned on my headlight and watched line peel like crazy. This was during a period of maximum ebb and the fish used the current to its advantage. When I saw the backing and the fish still hadn't slowed I applied pressure with my palm to the spool. NOTHING DOING. More line ,more pressure and snap. Broken 50#seaguar leader that I had tied at home with a snell to a 7/0 Gami octopus.
Mike, I was standing on the rock because I had gone out alone and I am afraid of sharks. When I set the hook it came very close to pulling me in the water. I never turned the fish like I had done the first time. But that fish came closer to slack water. As far as fighting tuna and fighting bass, the speed of the run will tell you the difference in a hurry.Not to mention you have the advantage of a boat to chase it down. I stood there and begged for mercy.
None was granted.

[Sea Dangles]

Also, keep in mind that fish fight differently depending on where the hook has set. I caught a 44 this spring that took zero drag. I reeled it in and the stomach was in its mouth. Lots of commotion when it got in close but that's it. I have certainly landed a substanial number of quality fish at this location but have never had my ass kicked like I've experienced twice in the past week.

[Back Beach]

Originally Posted by Sea Dangles

Mike, I was standing on the rock because I had gone out alone and I am afraid of sharks.

The truth comes out...

I hadn't detected this before. Tolerant? Yes. Afraid? No, I wouldn't have guessed it.

I was speculating with regard to the amount of line you had out when the fish took.I was seeking to explain how a fish could get deep into your spool, but it sounds like you did the right thing. I would probably do the same next time too at the same place it happened to me.