I agree with DR on most things. A large fish usually has enough pull to keep the line tight. The "Jim's Break-a-way flasher" will let the back end float free which turns the flasher loose. The only place where I have seen flashers cause problems is in the ocean when you are fighting a fish on the top water. If you are heading into the rollers and you go over one, the roller goes on past you. When the roller gets to the flasher and fish, it can "pull back" on your line. This is like putting on the brakes. If the fish happens to run forward at the same time as the roller goes between you and him. He can get slack and come off.