Should you reel in the excess line hanging from your reel when you catch a fish?
Let’s look at the situations and consider the options. I will start by saying a fish pulling drag and making the reel sing is a great feeling. There are different drag systems and they have different sounds, but for the most part, a reel is just going to be there to hold the line… unless you get “That fish.”
“That fish” could be a trout going downstream in a current or a tarpon going out to sea. And if that happens, make sure you let the line get back to the reel in the proper fashion. Here is what you want to do. When you sense the fish is going to take the line that is gathered at your feet for a run, you need to put the rod butt against your forearm. Then you want to separate the line hand as far away as you can from the rod butt. If you don’t, the line will be literary jumping around and may get caught on the reel or rod butt. As you get to the end of the slack line, simply bring your hands together and let the reel take over. A smooth transition will keep the reel from backlashing.
We don’t always get to fish for “That Fish,” so what now?
When I bass fish, I may never get a fish to the reel in a 6-hour day because bass generally don’t go on long runs. And I’d rather hold the line in my fingers to feel the fight. A carp is often in a lake too. They will go on runs, and you better have a drag system on that reel or be good at palming it. Trout in a stream can take you for a run also, and you may have to protect your tippet. So let them get you to the reel. Tarpon, bonefish and most other saltwater fish will have you doing a line dance trying to make sure your feet are not caught in the jumping line as it shoots out. Make sure your rod butt is against your forearm, your line hand is separated from the reel, and feather it down to a smooth song as the reel starts to sing.
On my first tarpon trip, after making a long cast, I ended up hooking a tarpon 20 feet from the skiff. When it hit, I said to the other seasoned angler, “Uh oh, I’ve got all this line on the deck.” He said in a calm voice as the tarpon exploded off, “Not for long.”
I have lost fish trying to reel in slack. The rod tip bounces, we lose focus on the fight, and it usually is not necessary. So do we reel in the slack or not? It depends. Have fun figuring it out as you go.
Tight lines and screaming reels – Rene