Landing big trout on light tippet can be tricky. The above 18″ and fat rainbow took a dry fly attached to 9x tippet.
I’ve learned through trial and error how to do it (more here). A key technique for me has been to use “sideways” rod pressure when fighting a big fish. It doesn’t always work, but it really helps me control a fish.
That is because fish hate being pulled up. I find that keeping the rod tip parallel to the water, or sometimes, even in it, helps me better guide the trout to the net. In particular, if a fish jumps into a fast current, side pressure helps me glide the fish to a slower current, where I don’t have to fight the trout and the current.
Here is a great video demonstrating why side sweepin’ really works.
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I hope I get to use your advice some day. That has to be a thrill to land a huge trout. I know I am plenty happy with any trout I bring to net.
It will happen. Just keep plugging away!
Lol at Ken's post; almost seemed he was taking a hit at this! Side pressure is 100% the way to go, you can still horse them in that way. I've fished with and talked to at trade shows a lot of the top guides out there, and you wouldn't catch any of them fighting trout straight overhead. Good post!
Mike
To each his own. Have not read his blog in a while.