@ryanh083: The final few feet of a fight are often the most dangerous. With less line between the rod and fish, there is less material available to stretch and absorb a sudden surge—especially when you’re using braid. At that point, your rod and drag become the primary shock absorbers. KEEP THE ROD LOADED Maintain a steady bend in the rod. Too much pressure can enlarge the hook hole, bend a light hook or tear small treble hooks free. Too little pressure creates slack and gives the fish room to shake the lure loose. When the fish surges, let the rod flex and drag release line. Don’t lock everything down and try to overpower a fish that is still fighting hard. AVOID SUDDEN SLACK Many fish escape when the angler drops the rod tip, stops reeling or reaches for the net. Reel down before changing rod angles and keep controlled pressure throughout the movement. This is especially important with crankbaits, jerkbaits and other treble-hooked lures. Trebles often hold through steady tension rather than deep penetration. USE SIDE PRESSURE A lower rod angle can help turn the fish and guide its head. Pulling directly upward may encourage another surface jump while giving you less control over its direction. NET THE FISH HEADFIRST Put the net in the water before the fish arrives. Lead the fish into the opening headfirst instead of chasing it with the net. Once its head enters, continue the forward motion and lift smoothly. If the fish surges away, stop netting and let it run. A missed attempt is better than striking the fish with the hoop or creating sudden slack. Fishing from shore without a net? Guide the fish toward a clear, gently sloped landing area. Don’t lift a large fish using only the rod and line. The last 10 feet need control—not force. What fish still haunts you because it came off right at the net? #BassFishing #fishtok #fishinglife #fishing #angler

Ryan

Open In TikTok:

Region: US

Thursday 03 September 2026 16:11:57 GMT