Hooking a big fish is thrilling—but reeling it in? That’s where the real challenge begins. If you’re not prepared, a big fish can snap your line, bend your rod, or leave you staring at the water wondering what went wrong.
But with the right technique, gear, and mindset, you can turn a powerful tug into a proud photo moment. Here’s how to successfully reel in the big ones, whether you’re fishing in a river, lake, or out at sea.
🎯 1. Start With the Right Gear
Before the fish even bites, your setup needs to be ready for the fight.
🔧 Essential gear for big fish:
- Rod: Medium-heavy to heavy action rod
- Reel: Sturdy spinning or baitcasting reel with a strong drag system
- Line: Braided or high-test monofilament (20–50 lb test depending on the fish)
- Hooks and leaders: Use a strong, sharp hook and a steel or fluorocarbon leader if you’re fishing for toothy fish like pike or saltwater species
👉 Tip: Check your knots before every cast. Weak knots are the first thing to fail during a big fight.
🐠 2. Let the Fish Run (At First)
When a big fish hits your line, your instinct might be to pull hard—but resist it.
🌀 Let the fish run to wear itself out:
- Let your drag system do the work.
- Keep tension on the line but don’t try to stop the fish immediately—you risk snapping your line.
- The fish will tire out after a few runs. That’s your opening.
👉 Tip: Keep the rod at about a 45-degree angle. Too high, and you might lose power. Too low, and you’ll lose leverage.
🔁 3. Pump and Reel Technique
This is the key to gaining ground during the fight.
🎣 Here’s how:
- Lift the rod slowly and firmly to pull the fish toward you (this is the “pump”).
- Lower the rod smoothly while reeling in the slack (this is the “reel”).
- Repeat—lift, reel, lift, reel—until the fish gets close.
👉 Never reel while the rod is being pulled upward. You’ll waste energy and wear down your line.
🔍 4. Watch for Sudden Runs or Jumps
Big fish often make unexpected moves when they get close to the boat or bank.
- Be ready for a final run—keep your drag set to allow some give.
- If the fish jumps, lower your rod tip fast to keep tension and prevent slack.
- Stay calm—rushing this part is when most people lose the catch.
👉 Pro tip: If your fish is circling below the boat, use short pumps and consistent pressure to bring it up slowly.
🧤 5. Land the Fish Safely
Once the fish is close enough:
- Use a landing net to scoop the fish head-first.
- If using your hands, grip gently but firmly behind the gill plate (never the gills themselves).
- If catch-and-release, remove the hook gently and release the fish quickly to reduce stress.
👉 Always be respectful of the fish, especially if you’re not keeping it. A healthy release ensures a strong population for others to enjoy.
✅ Bonus Tips for Reeling Big Fish
- Stay calm – Don’t panic if the fish pulls hard. Stay steady.
- Adjust drag – If your reel feels too tight, back off slightly. Let the fish tire out.
- Use the terrain – Steer fish away from rocks, logs, or underwater snags.
- Practice patience – Rushing the reel-in process often causes break-offs or pulled hooks.
🏁 Final Thought
Reeling in a big fish is more than strength—it’s about timing, technique, and staying cool under pressure. When you learn to work with the fish rather than against it, you’re more likely to win the battle—and make that memory last.