Your fishfinder is showing a TON of fish, you know the big one is right there beneath your boat. You cast….you get a hit….this one is the BIG ONE…….your line is tight, he’s a fighter but you’re reeling him in……he’s like a 25 pound red fish, then he’s gone!! THE BIG ONE GOT AWAY…SERIOUSLY? What happened?
Nobody wants to be that guy that has a fish tale to tell rather than the fish to bring home. But you would be surprised how many mistakes anglers make that are so avoidable it’s almost embarrassing to admit I have actually committed these fishing faux pas.
Fishing Knots-The most common reason anglers lose a fish is because they didn’t tie the knot well. Check your line and leader connections, make sure they are tight and secure.
Broken lines– I hate this! It feels like there is nothing you can really do about it, but chances are you haven’t checked your drags and they’re sticking or set too tight. Check that before you get your rod out for the open ocean.
Bad Fishing line– With spinning reels, especially, make sure you’re checking your line for weak spots, chafed areas and tangles. This is the second most common reason for broken fishing lines.
Lost hits– Do you know how many hits are missed by unattended fishing rods? Yeah, that’s the point NOBODY KNOWS CAUSE THEY WEREN’T WATCHING THE ROD!! Fishing gets a little tedious when things are slow and we all have a tendency to walk away and leave it, but don’t, you might be missing hits and wasting your bait.
Novice Gaffing– Just leave this to the professionals (that might actually be you). Seriously, hand your rod to someone else and gaff the fish yourself if you are the most experienced person to do it.
Poorly Maintained Gear– Do I really need to explain this? Naw, probably not.
Too much competition– The likely hood that your fishing spot is known to no one, is highly unlikely. Unfortunate for you when “your spot” is busy, the competition for the fish is much greater. The fish have so much more to choose from, fish there if you must, but I’m thinking it might be better to boat away and fish in a less crowded place.
Above everything, have fun. Enjoy the water. If you’re with a buddy, enjoy the company. Sometimes fishing is just that FISHING rather than catching. Not every day on the ocean, lake or river is a great one, do what you can and enjoy the sport!
Stay Salty!