Eddie Munster Posted August 4, 2008 Posted August 4, 2008 Had a nice night of fishing with one of my daughters going, trying to get her used to an open faced reel setup and having her use a small Rapala to catch some small bass chasing shad in our subdivision lake (same lake I caught the 8 lber in my avatar). The water was stained and nothing biting on plastic worms so I put on a chartruese Roostertail and make a couple cast with it. While I'm watching her work that Rapala, I hook a 6+ pounder and it proceeds to start tearing out line. Now I've got 12 lb test on a med-heavy open face combo and I realize a little late that my drag is set too low. This is my wife's rod/reel and I am unfamilar with it. I'm trying to fight this fish, turn it's head away from this log AND trying to adjust the drag on the fly. It managed to get enough line out to wrap itself around this log in a couple seconds. I struggled and struggle to try and free it and debated whether to actually go in water off the boat to follow the line down to untangle it. I even tried moving the rod around but by the time I did work it free (actually pulled up the piece of timber it was stuck on 8-)) the fish had already freed itself. At least my daughter got to see her dad hook this thing and watch it for a little bit. Smart fish, huh?! Moral of the story; familiarize yourself with ALL of your equipment before you go and check the drag before each trip. Quote
JShrock07 Posted August 4, 2008 Posted August 4, 2008 Da*n dude that sucks!!! At least you are still finding the big ens!!! Quote
Super User fishfordollars Posted August 4, 2008 Super User Posted August 4, 2008 Bass fishing 101. Quote
Eddie Munster Posted August 4, 2008 Author Posted August 4, 2008 Bass fishing 101. Guess I'm taking a summer school class on that right now, right?! Supposed to go again this evening with a buddy on a new pond. You can bet I'll double check everything before that boat gets wet. Quote
daviscw Posted August 4, 2008 Posted August 4, 2008 You'll find that is the easiest way to learn. Bet it won't happen again! Keep at it man! ;D Quote
BassResource.com Advertiser FD. Posted August 4, 2008 BassResource.com Advertiser Posted August 4, 2008 Tough lesson that I have learned SEVERAL times.....eventually you will get in the habit of checking everytime you pick up a rod. Quote
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.