How hard can you lean into a fish on your gear?

[MuskieBait]

Today I really got to test the strength of my Shimano Convergence 12'6" float rod. Fishing in a small pool that was blocked by logs both at the head and tail of a pool, and a log on the far side the pool plus cedar branches on my side of the pool, I couldn't let the fish run or else they would run into any of the logs or the cedar branch.

I had to use 4lb fluorocarbon since the fish were extremely line shy.

You can just imagine the fun.

But no matter, the slow action of the rod was perfect for holding 2-8lb steelhead in the pool without allowing the fish to run too much. I did lost 4 of them to snapping off at the log jam, but I also landed 11 of them...and the ones that were landed required me to hold my ground and keep the fish within the pool...that is, I cannot let them run under any of the logs.

During the fight, my drag was set "fairly tight"...that is, if I choose to give the fish line, it will give...but then I thumbed the spool gently to hold the fish in the pool, use the "noodle" property of the rod to absorb most of the surging runs, spins, jumps and headshakes, and use my arm if necessary to cushion those steelhead antics.

You also have to react immediately to any of those antics. A steelhead can change direction on a dime...and as such, you have to keep your arm and rod lively and adjusting to line angle and rod tip direction to the fish.

At some point of the day, my rod was in a full semi-circle. It's quite a sight to see actually...to bad I didn't have any pictures of it...too busy fishing and the GoPro is cursed anyways.

Again, I encourage you all to test your equipment to the max (within reason). Just make sure you use line light enough to snap before your rod does.