I once read an article on a way to stop a fish thats freight-training downstream. What you do is point your rod at 45 degree angle across and downstream, while maintaining pressure on the fish, then you stick the front 1/2 or so of your rod into the water(still maintaining pressure).

Now supposedly this technique will cause the fish to stop moving and comeback to you as you pull him up, much like a puppy on a chain. I guess the reason for thish is that the waters movement on the line cofuses the fish or something?

Never had the opportunity to try this, but read about it in I think STS a couple of years ago. Anyone used this technique or remember the article?

Fun Fishing
Josh