Play and land fish

The moment between take and net is where most fish are lost, often from sheer hurry. Rainbow trout is a lively fighter that likes to run and jump, but with the right drag setting, rod handling and netting you land it far more often. Playing is less about strength and more about letting the tackle do the work.

Set the drag right

The foundation is laid before you even get a take: the drag should give line on a determined run but still brake the fish. Too tight and the leader breaks on a jerk, too loose and the fish swims off without resistance. Test by pulling line out by hand before you fish; it should run evenly, not in jerks. With the right drag even a light leader can land a strong fish.

While you play

Hold the rod high with a clear bend, so the rod and the drag take up jerks and runs. Always keep even pressure and never go completely slack, because it is in the slack that the hook comes out. When the fish runs, let the drag work and wait it out. When it gives, wind in calmly and take line back. Do not rush a lively fish in too fast; let it tire, then the landing is simple.

The landing

Have the net ready and easy to reach. When the fish starts to give and turns on its side, lower the net into the water and lead the fish calmly over it, head first, before you lift. Never chase the fish with the net from behind; that scares it into a last panic run where the hook easily comes out. Then lift the net straight up with the fish safely in the mesh.

After landing

Once you have the fish in the net, keep it in the water while you get ready. If it is to be kept, kill it at once; if it is to be released, handle it gently with wet hands, see keep or release fish. More techniques sit under fishing technique.