How To Land That Monster Bass

[Big-O]

So, my interpretive summary of this thread:

1. Use appropriate equipment for the type of fishing you're attempting
2. Properly adjust the drag on your reels before fishing
3. If hooking into a fish in heavy cover, assert control early to get them clear of the dangerous obstructions.  
4. In all other situations, use the rod, reel's drag, and patience to steer the fish away from trouble and keep pressure up until it tires (aka "Be Patient")

 

I'd say that you have summed it all up NICELY  and Ms M... I always have FUN, I just got off the water and need to take a 'short break'

[SirSnookalot]

A 200 # + experienced person using a heavy rod with 65# braid (that probably doesn't break until 80 or a 100#) should land the majority of bass, does the fish really have much of a chance.  There are some beautiful bass displayed on this site, but we are not talking about "wicked tuna", these are bass.  Winching them or playing them, they are short on stamina and strength as compared to many other species of the same size.  Enjoyable and fun to catch, but IMO landing a bigger one should not be that much of a task, just reel it in.  It's all about finding the big one, not landing it.

[Bass Junkie]

A 200 # + experienced person using a heavy rod with 65# braid (that probably doesn't break until 80 or a 100#) should land the majority of bass, does the fish really have much of a chance.  There are some beautiful bass displayed on this site, but we are not talking about "wicked tuna", these are bass.  Winching them or playing them, they are short on stamina and strength as compared to many other species of the same size.  Enjoyable and fun to catch, but IMO landing a bigger one should not be that much of a task, just reel it in.  It's all about finding the big one, not landing it.

In the end it's about catching fish and having fun, and we all do that a little differently.

[roadwarrior]

This was the original question:

 

 

all this talk about trophy fish made me think of the few lunkers ive been lucky to catch.

you set that hook and its solid, you know its big!  but whats the best way to get that bad

girl into the boat. you dont want to horse it in. what are the fundamentals to ensure you

make the best effort on landing the fish.  

 

I think we have had some great replies. Take the time to watch the videos Big O made,

you will enjoy them.