line test considerations

[zippyFX]

(06-10-2013 12:53 PM)MuskieBait Wrote:  A lot of the rookie mistake with a fish close to shore is to either keep the drag setting the same or tighten up the drag to keep the fish from running off again. Instead, you should lighten the drag pressure. When the fish is close to you, there is only a very short stretch of line between your rod tip and the fish. The rod is also likely pointed up so there is little bend left in the rod to cushion a sudden surge. With light lines, this is where most fish are broken off. With a lighter drag, it will allow the fish to run off without breaking your line, especially when the fish finally sees the net. The fish is already fairly tired (well you should have tired it out in deeper water in the first place), so even if it runs off, it will be a short distance.

I guess I am a rookie This weekend when I was reeling in a largish channels cat (my guess is 6-8 lbs) from a high ledge (6ft) as I got this fish to the shore I let down my guard, the line held, the leader held, I had not loosened drag and before I new it I unconsciously raised the rod tip, the fish trashed and the rod snapped... Shame I was beginning to like that rod. I needed to keep the rod tip down.