Fight Club

 1. Fighting fit.
It always helps to be in good shape and health. A monster of the deep can test you to the core, and those athletes of the deep are always in good shape. Being strong and fit gives you an extra edge when fighting a very fit fish.

2. Don’t try be The Hulk
Whilst it is important to be strong and fit don’t try and match a big fish for strength. You are in its territory and will lose. Do not rely purely on brute strength. Position yourself to be comfortable and ready for a long fight using your body position as leverage. Use your full body not just your arms and back. Lean into the fight and towards the fish as you reel and then back up into a more upright position as you lift your rod, and keep your back and arms straight. And then, when the fish is peeling line off your reel, keep the pressure and use those moments to rest, breathe and even rehydrate.

3. Fight the fish not your gear.
Sometimes it is a bit more effective to be fighting on slightly lighter gear so that you don’t tire too quickly just because your rod and reel are too heavy to lift. This is especially important on a Jet Ski and even more so a Kayak. Don’t go too light and put yourself at a disadvantage, but don’t overdo the equipment especially on smaller craft and fishing solo. The extra heavy tackle is generally for the big boats.

4. Use your surroundings and situation to good effect.
If you have a harness, use it. If you have a fighting seat use it. On your boat, jetski or kayak there will be points of leverage to use to your advantage, and so therefore use them. Practice using the swells and wind to good effect in your fight. Try to position your craft so that the fish is fighting your vessel as well. This is particularly very effective when kayak fishing and sometimes even on the Jetski and smaller craft like a duck.

5. Make the most of every moment of advantage.
As soon as the fish stops to rest and isn’t taking line you need to be regaining that line. Tire the fish quickly don’t let it rest. It only needs a short moment to regain its stamina. Every time it rests you need to increase the fight level. Change the direction of the fish whilst doing this to help tire it out. Short pumps with a single wind as your rod tip drops will help win the fight.

6. Don’t be scared of your equipment
If you have the right gear it is there to do the job. Push it to its limit for a big fish, that’s what it is designed to do. Too many anglers lose a battle because they don’t apply enough pressure, too afraid they may break their equipment. Your tackle can be replaced but you may never get a chance at your personal best again. If your technique is good and your knots are good your equipment will do its job. If you find the fish taking too much line too quickly on its runs, then tighten the drag a little, but be equally wary of tightening up too much as the fish must be allowed to run.

7. Stay on top
Try and not let the fish run too far. Keep on top of it as much as you can. This is easier when on a boat or Jet Ski, but when a big brute gets a few good burst he gets renewed energy that he is winning. When the fish is running on the surface maintain a steady drag to limit its runs. If the fish turns back towards you do not give it any slack. Reel fast to maintain the pressure. Be aware of where your fish is at all times, and keep the line away from other lines and boat edges, propellers and kayak rudders.

8. Don’t Gaff it up
When you have big trophy alongside your craft, both you and the fish are going to be pretty finished. The fight is not won until that fish is on board however, or right alongside the boat. If you are using a gaff make sure to get it right first time, and sink the gaff solidly, otherwise that prick of steel may give your trophy one last lease on life, and the whole ordeal may be all in vain. If catching and releasing, either get the fish comfortably alongside the craft for a photo and measurement before a quick release. Or if you bring it on board, make sure you handle with care and be quick with the photo and measurement. Release the fish effectively. Remember the fish is tired out and may need to be assisted alongside the boat for a while before regaining its strength. Don’t just dump and go, show it the respect it deserves by releasing it properly.