The following was posted by Randy Jones on the old salmon River discussion board:
posted on 12-Feb-2003 12:57:41 PM
Fish Fighting Techniques for Steelhead:
I guarantee you'll learn some new stuff, and may be afraid to try!
This time of the Yr. I'm using light tippets. So before I even wet my line, I loosen my drag just light enough that when I pull on the line quickly I don't end up with a bird's nest. A large # of fish are lost in the first 10 seconds due to, too tight of a drag. Initially upon hook-up there is nothing you can do to control the immediate reaction of the fish. In this way, when Mr. Steelhead makes that made dash for freedom, I still hopefully have him on. Then I'll tighten my drag a wee bit. Now it's time for you to take control.
My personal # 1 rule is to immediately get even or below the fish. (Obviously, there are exceptions to this) Not all fish react the same when being hooked, so there's a slight tactical delay before this decision is made. 75% of the time a fish will run in the opposite direction it feels pressure. A run upstream where it has to fight the current and drag is optimal. 80% of the angler's I see on the river stand still and let the fish take control, which usually ends up with angler and fish parting ways. Or the angler's reaction is to slow incoming that the fish is already charging down stream. We all know this is not the easiest river to negotiate, let alone with a ROCKET SHIP at the end of your line. If you give it an inch it'll take 10 ft., putting rock's, rapids, snag's, holes, between you and your Quarry.
My # 1 ½ rule (that I repeat 2-3 times in the A.M.) is to- not hold the line (you can't hold'em), don't palm the reel (remember the drag was initially set so any additional pressure can and most probably will break it off?) and to not hold the reel handle. I mention this with a grin, as rarely does a day go by where 1 to 4 fish aren't lost due to the adrenaline rush that follows most hook-ups and the accompanied forgetfulness. Once even or below, I lower, bend my rod downstream. (Butt of rod is pointed down stream) Sometimes touching tip to water. This is called the down and dirty, and is the easiest way to tire a fish. By staying at least even with the fish and rod angled with a downstream bend you are exerting the maximum amount of pressure, forcing the fish to use additional energy to stay upright and not be pulled backwards. (If fish is further than 50 ft. away, I will keep my tip up as the more line in the water will create an unwanted stress on the lighter tippets and may break. Also if the area is loaded with snags or rocks.) If it starts to move downstream then you need to move with it, immediately.
A lot of the time I see angler's standing above the fish with tip up. All you are achieving with this is to hold the fish in the current with no additional pressure, not tiring it in the least. This allows it to rest and take you further downstream. Worse than this, is to try to pull a fish up against the current. When light lining this is a big no-no and is usually followed by - Fish Off.
When the fish starts to tire the next step is to immediately point the tip of the rod towards the tree's on the bank behind you. This acts as a slingshot, which moves the fish closer to shore. It will not come to shore with rod tip held high with no angle. (unless it's dead) Side pressure is the key to effectively and efficiently tiring and bringing in this world class fish.
If you're afraid to experiment and try something new, then please, do not read on.
80% of the time these additional fish fighting techniques and tactics will help. So don't blame me if you hit the 20%!
Stalling tactic:
We all love to see the somersaults, jumps; tail walks and torpedo runs they make. But, 50% of the time the show ends with no curtain call or encore performance. I prefer, after hooking-up, if it decides to show its colors to throw it slack. (Pull line off the reel A.S.A.P.) If hook set is good, it won't throw it and they normally quite down. The action it takes is due to the pressure it feel's. So by releasing the pressure it no longer feel's threatened and will tend to stop on a dime. This allows you to regroup and take control. (With spinning rods, this has the same effect by opening the bail) Throwing it slack is also a great way to stop it's screaming run downstream into snags, deep water, (where you can't go) or at least slow it down so you can catch up.
When reeling in the fish with the tip up:
There are 2 things wrong with the previous sentence. #1. I will sometimes hold my rod upside down with tip in water when bringing in a steelhead. Fish don't breath air and with tip up it feel's as if (which you are) trying to pull it's head out of the water. This creates a havoc, wrecking ball of nerves that sometimes ends with fish off. I breathe air, so if you put my head under the water you can be assured I would not be happy. (Same with the fish) By holding your rod upside down with rod tip in the water the fish normally will slowly and quietly come in without much fuss. This is only used when fish is tired and ready to be brought in. It is also sometimes used as a stalling tactic.
#2 Whenever targeting large species of fish the rod becomes a flexible lever. We never reel the fish in; we PULL the fish in. The reel is only used to recover slack line. Pull-up, reel-down. Now combine #1 with #2 and by George, you've got it!
Walking the dog:
Here's another technique that has worked for me. If I'm working a piece of fast, deep water that is not easily waded. Upon hooking-up, I immediately lighten up and only bend the tip of the rod slightly. Remember what I said earlier about pressure? With only a slight bend in the rod the fish feels little to no pressure and maintains its position in the river. I then slowly move to a safer area and believe it or not normally it will follow. Once I'm in a safe position, I give it to'em.
It's miller time!
Randy Jones
IP Hidden 
beerman 
Registered: 14-Jan-2002
Total Posts: 2927