| As a person who has been fishing for and | | | | - Let the fish tire itself out - Using the strength of |
| catching large trout in the flowing current of rivers | | | | the fish to your advantage is critical. This means if |
| and streams for more than 20 years, I think I'm | | | | the fish wants to make a run, let it! If the fish |
| qualified to review a few points to keep in mind | | | | gets in the current and just stops, let it sit there |
| when fighting a large trout. I personally fish with | | | | and tire itself out. A favorite move of large trout |
| ultra light fishing gear and four pound test | | | | is just that. Getting into the current and turning |
| monofilament line, so these points are that much | | | | their body at such an angle that it feels as if they |
| more important. I suggest everyone use ultra light | | | | are snagged. Many times your not snagged, the |
| gear for trout fishing, because catching them in | | | | fish is just "wedged" in the current. Let the trout |
| this manner is as much fun as can be had with | | | | tire itself out as much as possible. |
| your clothes on! When it comes to large trout (18 | | | | - Set your drag as you go - many anglers set |
| inches and above) keep these points in mind while | | | | their drag and then forget about it. This is a |
| fighting them to improve you success rate. | | | | mistake. Set your drag fairly tight for hook-sets, |
| - Keep fresh line spooled on your reel - This point | | | | and then adjust it after you "feel" how large the |
| is for those of us that use monofilament fishing | | | | fish is. There's no one place that your drag should |
| line. When your line has been fished with for any | | | | be set. Your drag should be changed as you fight |
| extended period of time, it gets stretched, | | | | the fish. If it's too tight, your line could break, too |
| frayed, twisted, etc. This can cost you when | | | | loose and the fish will constantly be taking line, and |
| fighting a large trout. I change my fishing line at | | | | get off. Where to set your drag for any given |
| least once a month during the heart of fishing | | | | fish is an experience thing, so the more time you |
| season. Fresh line enables you to cast better, tie | | | | can spend fishing, the better. The point is, set |
| knots better, and has the strength that is | | | | your drag tight for the hook-set, and then back it |
| necessary when fighting a large trout. | | | | off as you "feel" how big the trout is. |
| - Keep your rod tip high - In almost all cases large | | | | These points will help you fight and land large |
| trout will run towards deeper water or | | | | trout on a much more consistent basis. |
| underwater debris. Large trout love to bolt for | | | | Remember there's nothing that will help your large |
| the biggest rock or underwater branch in an | | | | trout fighting ability more than practice, so get out |
| attempt to get tangled or break the line. Keeping | | | | there and start catching some trout. And never |
| your rod tip high gives you your best advantage | | | | forget what Gandhi said of practice,"An ounce of |
| at controlling the fish. Keeping your rod tip high | | | | practice is worth more than tons of preaching." |
| also takes pressure off of the line by using the | | | | The "fighting large trout" sermon is over. |
| bend of your rod to the maximum advantage. | | | | |