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.

Reels are a handy place to store line, so I store mine there. I handline as necessary to come tight to a fish, but once there I reel up the handlined slack. While water drag on fly line usually makes for a secure hook hold in the hinge of the fish's jaw, it doesn't always do so. I prefer a tight line and a couple positive jerks to let the fish know we're connected and also to sink the hook home in case it isn't already there.

Sg

Don't tell Cap'n Bob that reels are just storage space !! That's what he does for a living... makes beautiful reels. They ARE beautiful reels too. Too expensive for me right now, but very nice!

Thank you, Rogue Bum. I appreciate the compliment . I may be putting some of my used ones on sale so you may be able to afford one after all. Check with me in a few weeks.

Regards,
Capt. bob