After years of losing too many Atlantic Salmon and Steelhead on my Spey gear, I began to seriously examine my techniques and beliefs. Eventually I came up with the understanding that trying to get too "tight" too soon and reeling like crazy to take up slack with a doubled-back fish is the cause of the problem. Discussed this with Gillies' and guides and many agree. Unlike hard-driving fish like Tuna, where slack is the kiss of death, with Atlantics and Steelhead, it's a different matter. I visualize them swimming upstream with the drag of the trailing line pulling the hook tighter into the hinge of their jaw. I would appreciate any comments on this topic. Thank you.