The One That Got Away
by Capt. Gus

 “Let me tell you a story about the one that got away!”

Fishermen often use this line to begin a fishing tale of woe. Everyone has heard it and when you do, you know you will be subjected to a long story with an all too familiar ending. The fact is, more anglers talk about the fish that got away, than about the ones that don’t.

The reasons are many, but the fact is that catching a big fish isn’t easy. Large fish are faster, stronger and stay on the line longer than their smaller brothers and sisters. Trophy fish battle with such tenacity that the tackle and temper of the angler are often challenged to the breaking point. To the big fish equation, add the excitement of seeing the fish of your dreams jump out of the water, knowing that you still have to reel it to the boat and it’s no wonder so many get away.

If you want to improve your chances or change your luck the next time you hook a big one, consider the following tips.

Remain Calm:
First and foremost, do not be surprised when a big fish hits. Large fish live in the same water as the small ones, there just aren't as many of them. Again, stay calm, don't panic and use the same techniques you have used in the past to successfully land smaller fish.

Tackle:
Use balanced tackle; substantial enough to land a trophy, but not so heavy that it takes the fun out of catching an average size fish.

Tackle Maintenance:  
* Clean and lubricate reels after each trip.
*  Cut off any line that is nicked or chaffed. 
*  Replace line when it becomes opaque or when it gets low on the spool.
*  Set the drag (on the reel) at thirty to fifty percent of the line’s breaking strength. 
*  Replace or sharpen hooks frequently.
*  Double check knots to assure that they will hold under stress 

Playing the Fish:
Keep a tight line, the rod tip up and the fish in front of you. If it begins to take line, don’t panic. A properly set drag will allow the fish to pull line off the reel without breaking, and will help you to wear it down. Stop reeling when the fish is a rod length away. Lead it in a smooth and steady motion toward the person assisting with the landing process. Should the fish decide to make a last minute run, don’t jerk the rod. Let the drag do its job before you attempt to land it again.

Landing the Fish:
Undue pressure on a big fish raises the chance of pulling the hook, breaking the line or getting it to the boat while it still has the energy to fight. A fish that isn’t completely spent will thrash and twist erratically in an attempt to get away.

When it’s time to net your catch, be certain to net it head first. Be alert. Sometimes a fish can get away even after it is caught. Once a giant tuna was brought in a boat through a door in the transom.  After the pictures and congratulations, the captain pushed the throttle down and headed to port. As he was planing the boat, he tuned to see the tuna slip back into the sea through the open door.

Tip from Capt. Gus:
The best thing about losing a big fish is that it grows in your mind over time and the story gets better each time it is told.