Herm,

I have seen plenty of two-piece rods quickly become three-piece rods from folks trying get the line out of the clip. A good rule of thumb for the setting pressure on the release is... enough for a 4# salmon to release free. Even with a small shaker on it is better to bring it up on the downrigger. More often than not, the fish frees itself. Don't forget, the line may be caught up on the clip too...
_________________________
"If you are not scratchin bottom, you ain't fishing deep enough!" -DR

Puget Sound Anglers, Gig Harbor Chapter