 Setting your hook
" Setting the hook" refers to the method of forcing
a hook into a fish's mouth. In most cases, one sharp snap of
the rod is all that is needed, provided the hook is sharp.
Some situations, however, require more force than others.
For example, a single hard strike is needed when using a
soft-plastic worm rigged Texas style (the hook is concealed
inside the worm) because the strike must drive the hook through
the worm first and then into the fish's mouth. Striking too
hard or repeatedly with a soft-mouthed fish such as a crappie,
shad, or sea trout can pull the hook through the mouth.
Fighting
your Fish
When a fish feels the hook, it struggles to get free. Fish
may jump, make a long run, swim back into snags, or swim
around obstacles or deep-water structure to “scrub
off” the hook. Each species of fish fights differently.
Some experienced anglers can often tell which species of
fish is on the end of the line simply by the way it fights.
Carp, bonefish, and Chinook salmon are strong, powerful fish
that tend to making long runs. Largemouth bass and steelhead
trout both run and jump. Tuna dive for the bottom. Striped
Bass typically make a couple of long runs before tiring out.
Trout and tarpon fight wildly when first hooked. Northern
pike and cobia (ling) often come to the boat easily, but
fight strongly near the boat. Sunfish zigzag toward cover
to take full advantage of their body shape.
Fish hooked and fought in shallow water are more likely to
jump and behave more frantically than those hooked in deep
water. When hooked, deep-water fish often head right for
the bottom. Large bass are less likely to jump than smaller
juvenile bass.
It's possible to land many small fish by nothing more than
reeling them in. They'll fight, but this can be easily overcome
by the strength of the line and the fishing rod. Much of
the enjoyment of fishing, though, is gained by using lighter
tackle that will allow the fish to fight. However, if you
plan to release your fish, do not fight it so long that it
becomes exhausted and later dies.
Fighting larger fish requires a technique called "pumping
the rod." To do this, retrieve line quickly as you
lower the rod until it is horizontal and pointed at the
fish. Then stop retrieving line and slowly raise the rod
up. When the rod is at about the 11 o'clock position, repeat
the process until the fish is near and ready to be landed.
Always keep the pressure up on your line between you and
your fish, and never let your line go slack in the process.
 Landing your Trophy!
Fish can be landed by hand or with landing tools such as
a net. When you fish from the shore, beaching fish is a
popular way to land them. This method, however, should
only be used if you plan to keep and eat the fish because
it will harm the protective slime coating on its body.
To beach your fish, lead it into increasingly shallower
water, gradually sliding the fish on its side onto dry
land. In saltwater, time your retrieve with an incoming
wave. As the wave recedes, quickly grab your beached fish
and pull it ashore.
Landing nets are commonly used for landing fish. Long-handled
nets are used for boat or shore fishing and fishing from
docks and jetties. Short-handled nets are used for stream
fishing. The size of the net depends on the size of the
fish you plan to catch. Some people use a circular net
with a long rope instead of a handle; this is used for
pier and bridge fishing.
To net your fish, you must first have the fish under control
as much as possible. Next, lead the fish to the net. Place
the net in the water and lead the fish into the net head
first. Then if the fish should try to escape, it will swim
into the net. Once the fish is completely in the net, raise
the net by the handle. If you have a heavy fish, also grasp
the net's rim to prevent the handle of the net from bending
or breaking.
Another popular way to land fish is by hand. While carefully
avoiding hooks, many bass anglers use their thumb and index
finger to grip a bass by its lower jaw. This holds the
mouth open and temporarily paralyzes the fish. This technique
also makes removing the hook much easier.
Employing these techniques to land your fish will maximize
your fishing enjoyment as well increase your catch ratio
and your bragging rights…
Tight Lines!
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