Light Line, Big Fish, What to Do?

NEW YORK -- Murphy’s Law says the biggest fish of the year will bite the lightest line you have in the water, and those of us fishing the big pond often have to take on brutes that exceed the tackle’s rating by five to one. Maybe you’re a light tackle angler and you planned it that way, or maybe it happened by accident. Either way, catching big game on light gear requires special tactics which are cited in the September 2000 issue of Boating:

- Holding your rod for the length of time required to land a 150-pound tuna on a 30-class gear is simply not an option. A harness to transfer pressure from your arms to your back and legs is essential. If your boat doesn’t have gunwale bolsters, consider carrying a pair of kneepads.

- Keeping constant pressure on the fish is more important than ever when you’re slowly wearing the fish down. Stop cranking only when drag is being taken

- Prepare mentally for an extended battle. Pace yourself, and remember that this will take a matter of hours, not minutes.

- Follow the fish with the boat, keeping a minimum of line out. If you have a singles crew inboard – difficult to maneuver in reverse – cleat a bucket on a short line off the side you need to back toward and the boat will swing that way.

(Reprinted with Permission)

Copyright © 2002 by Hachette Filipacchi Magazines, Inc.