Sometimes the best way to keep tension on the line is to leave as much of it in the water as possible...this is particularly true when fly-fishing, as the weight of the line can make it "sag" when lifted, whereas leaving it in the water ensures that the current will keep the pressure up. Lifting the rod tip in some situations can place current pressure on the line, thus pulling the hook backwards and, possibly, out of the fish's mouth. When I hook a fish that's well below me, I'll leave my line low in the water...but it seems to have more to do with the particlar water's characteristics than anything...add in the hook and line size...and the fish's response to being hooked...and the wadability of the adjacenet bank...aw, heck: reel like hell and brace yourself for a run!

When hooking a fish directly below you, often a slow tightening of the line (until you feel resistance) is needed...then set the hook hard. Because you can generally feel every little bump, stay jumpy...and if you feel you're being nipped at, run a size four or six trailer--barbless, in case the hole's full of smolt.

[This message has been edited by fishkisser99 (edited 01-17-2001).]