06-02-2005, 07:58 PM
[cool][#0000ff]Man, ain't that a great problem to have? I have rassled with a lot of chunky kitties over the years while paddling around in a tube. That hand to fin combat is great. Everytime I lean back and let a biggun tow me around, I grin and repeat my favorite fishin' phrase "Well, boy, that's what ya come fer."[/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]As long as you have your tackle balanced...line strength vs rod stiffness, proper drag setting, etc....you can just hang on and enjoy the ride. If everything is set properly, and the fish makes a sudden spurt, you will be able to give up line off the drag without breaking off. But, it is possible for the fish to pull you around without pulling line out.[/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]If you are fishing a relatively shallow lake, like Utah Lake, the fish cannot dive very deep and is more prone to make runs or circles. That is good. Wears them out quicker if they are pulling against something. I have fought big fish in deeper water and when they want to stay straight down, it is hard to apply enough pressure to tire them. Whenever you find yourself attached to a fish that wants to play the "yo-yo" game...straight down...you can whup them faster by kicking off to the side and applying sideways pressure. Work the rod back and forth, to either side, as you work them in. If they settle in below you again, then kick away again. I have covered a lot of area during the course of wearing down some of the larger fish I have hooked.[/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]So, if you have good line, a good hook, a well-tied knot and a good reel with a smooth drag, just hang on and love it.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]As long as you have your tackle balanced...line strength vs rod stiffness, proper drag setting, etc....you can just hang on and enjoy the ride. If everything is set properly, and the fish makes a sudden spurt, you will be able to give up line off the drag without breaking off. But, it is possible for the fish to pull you around without pulling line out.[/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]If you are fishing a relatively shallow lake, like Utah Lake, the fish cannot dive very deep and is more prone to make runs or circles. That is good. Wears them out quicker if they are pulling against something. I have fought big fish in deeper water and when they want to stay straight down, it is hard to apply enough pressure to tire them. Whenever you find yourself attached to a fish that wants to play the "yo-yo" game...straight down...you can whup them faster by kicking off to the side and applying sideways pressure. Work the rod back and forth, to either side, as you work them in. If they settle in below you again, then kick away again. I have covered a lot of area during the course of wearing down some of the larger fish I have hooked.[/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]So, if you have good line, a good hook, a well-tied knot and a good reel with a smooth drag, just hang on and love it.[/#0000ff]
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