Tip of the Week: Master Fighting Big Fish

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Mastering the Fight: Tips for Landing Large Trout
By Jason Harwood, Red’s Fly Shop

Fighting and landing a large trout on a fly rod is a skill that requires technique, patience, and control. Here’s a breakdown of the essential strategies to ensure your next big fish makes it into the net.

1. Rod Angle Matters

The rod angle is critical when fighting a large trout. Keep your rod at approximately a 45-degree angle to the fish. This position ensures the rod absorbs the energy of the fish’s runs and head shakes, giving you maximum leverage. Avoid pointing the rod straight at the fish, as this eliminates the rod's ability to flex and do its job.

2. Stripping Line vs. Getting on the Reel

One of the most common mistakes anglers make is rushing to get the fish "on the reel." While this might feel like the right move, it can cause slack in the line and lead to a lost fish. Instead, focus on stripping line to maintain a constant connection with the trout. Stripping allows you to react quickly to sudden direction changes or bursts of energy, which is especially important when dealing with big, strong fish.

3. The Final Approach: Head Control and Netting

When the trout begins to tire, your job is to finish the fight efficiently and with as little stress on the fish as possible. Once the fish is ready to land:

• Keep the trout’s head out of the water to prevent it from regaining strength for a last-minute run.
• Skate the fish on the surface toward your net by maintaining tension and angling the rod slightly to one side. This technique minimizes resistance and gives you a controlled, clean landing.

4. A Final Note on Conservation

Big trout are often the apex of their ecosystem and play a vital role in maintaining fish populations. Minimize handling, keep them in the water as much as possible, and release them safely to ensure they can thrive for another fight down the road.

Conclusion

Landing a large trout is one of fly fishing’s most rewarding experiences. By focusing on proper rod angle, managing your line, and controlling the fish during the final moments, you’ll significantly increase your success rate while respecting the fish.

We’d love to hear your stories and see your photos—tag us or send them our way! Tight lines!

We teach these techniques and more through our casting courses in our University of Fly Fishing.

UPCOMING COURSES TO HIGHLIGHT 

We are teaching many courses by request only during the winter.  If you have not already checked out our new service TROUT TAXI, check it out and learn a new section of the river you want to get after this year.

• January 22nd - MM 19 - Red's - Meet at Red's
  
• February 7th - Ringer to Bighorn - Meets at Red's
• February 21st - KOA to Ringer - Meets at Ringer Road boat launch.

ENTIRE COURSE CALENDAR HERE 

Our University of Fly Fishing is the most unique, comprehensive fly fishing education available.