Playing the fish

Fish has taken the bait. You strike the line, by reeling up all the slack line and using the third class lever action of the fishing rod. A good strike will set the hook deep, ensuring that the barb is in the fleshly mouth of the fish.

Once the hook is set, maintain line tension throughout struggle. You should use the lever action to pump the fish towards you. Wind the crank of the reel on the downwards stroke of the rod to take in the line, while still ensuring that the tension is maintained.

Never reel/haul the fish out. This will put unnecessary strain on the line. Also, should the fish seem to be swimming towards you, try your best to reel in and take up slack to maintain tension.

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