Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - November/December 2023 - 20
BEGINNER
Beginner's Guide
on How to Hook,
Land and Release Fish
photo-Darl Black
by Darl Black
W
hile it is important for a novice angler to know
where to fish and what to use, it is just as
important to know how to set the hook, play
the fish and eventually land it. With a few basic tips, a
beginner can catch like a pro.
Setting the hook and playing fish
1. Before the first cast of each outing, run the first 3 feet
of line between your forefinger and thumb to check
for nicks or abrasion; if detected, cut the line above the
weak spot before tying on a hook or lure.
2. A reel's drag determines how much pressure is
required for line to be pulled from the spool. If you
set the drag too light, you won't be able to pull in
even a small fish. Set it too tight and a powerful fish
may snap a light line on its initial run. Avoid these
scenarios by adjusting the drag to the point where you
can smoothly pull line from the spool with your hand
using moderate force.
20
Pennsylvania Angler & Boater
3. Contrary to what beginners are often told, a hookset
should not be a hard jerk. Instead, it should be a
smooth, powerful sweep of the rod.
* When a fish takes a live bait presentation (with or
without a bobber), point the rod tip in the direction
the fish is moving and give a firm upward sweep of
rod towards the 12:00 position.
* When using a lift/drop presentation (that is
lifting and dropping the lure from the bottom)
with a jig or plastic worm, you may detect a hit
when the rod tip is high. In this case, rapidly
lower the rod tip to the 9:00 position while
reeling in slack line, then immediately sweep the
rod high to the 12:00 position.
* When using a lure with a steady retrieve (reeling in
the lure), the rod is usually held slightly to your left
or right side with tip pointed at the surface. To set a
hook in this instance, sweep the rod firmly upward
to the side while rotating your torso.
4. With a fish hooked, keep the rod tip high and maintain
pressure. Let the fish fight against the flex of the rod. If it
is a small fish, you will likely be able to reel it in quickly.
Larger fish take more time to land. Do not turn the reel
handle unless you are able to retrieve line. Never turn the
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Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - November/December 2023
Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - November/December 2023
Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - November/December 2023 - Cover1
Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - November/December 2023 - Cover2
Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - November/December 2023 - 3
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Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - November/December 2023 - Cover3
Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - November/December 2023 - Cover4
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