I learned back-reeling has been employed since spinning reels have been in existence

Back-reeling is the technique of choice by light-line trophy anglers regardless of species

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Spring 2018

boat, and the next second be swimming toward the boat, and the battle continues back and forth.

In this case the hook is tearing at the flesh back and forth, enlarging the hole throughout the battle. Once the hole is enlarged, any slack in the line during the fight permits the hook to fall out, and the battle is over.

When using line that is less in pound test than the weight of the fish on the other end, the key is to apply consistent, maximum force that is always less than the line’s breaking strength.

DRAG IS THE ONLY FACTOR

Effective advertising has convinced us the secret of success with light line is a great drag system. No doubt about it, a slick drag helps. Some set their drag light enough that break-offs become rare for them, but they never think about the bass they lose because the hook falls or pulls out during the fight.

If they take corrective action and tighten their drag a notch, they stick bass better, but then risk break-offs. A quality drag system is just one tool for landing big fish on light line, but to many experienced trophy anglers it isn’t the most important tool.

LEARN TO BACK REEL

Back-reeling is the technique of choice by light-line trophy anglers regardless of species, and when spinning reels are used for bass this technique will land you more bass.

Largemouth caught on 6-lb test

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