Techniques for keeping fish on when they jump

[Big Phish]

This morning I let 3 bass go when they broke the surface.  Can anyone give me some tips about what to do when they break in order to keep them on the hook?

[dmac14]

Don't let them break the surface. Keep them under the water, for smallies its a toughy they tend to jet straight for air when they get hooked.

[Albany]

When they are starting to come to the top to jump. I stick my rod tip down in the water as far as I can and reel, keeping the line tight. It seem's to keep them from jumping for me. Good luck.

[rippin_lips]

I have never had a problem keeping jumping bass on.  I think the key is keeping constant pressure on the line so the hook cannot come free.  Last summer I joined a friend fishing for Mako sharks (who are notorious jumpers) and the key to that was to point the rod at the fish and reel when they jump.  Might apply to bass too?

[SurferDave]

Don't let them break the surface. Keep them under the water, for smallies its a toughy they tend to jet straight for air when they get hooked.

[Cajun1977]

let em jump ,lots more fun that way

[moloch16]

When you see them heading up like they might jump, ease off the pressure a bit and often that will change their mind.

[BayouBassAssassin]

Keep the line tight throughout the fight...any slack allows the fish to throw the hook

[Hammer 4]

X2 I was losing fish on a regular basis, when I kept the line tight and my rod tip down, 1 it helps to keep the fish from jumping, and 2 a tight line helps to stop the fish from throwing the hook.

Keep the line tight throughout the fight...any slack allows the fish to throw the hook

[SirSnookalot]

The aforementioned tips says it all, nothing to add.

I have never had a problem keeping jumping bass on.

HMMMMMMMM, really?

[Fishing Rhino]

Generally, when fighting a fish, I keep the rod pointed toward the direction where the line enters the water.

When I see a fish is rising toward the surface, I sweep the rod at a right angle to exert a sideways pull on the fish.  While it isn't 100%, it does reduce the number who spit/throw the hook.

Losing fish is part of the game.  Minimizing it is part of the challenge.

[Sam]

Put rod tip into the water.  

[Pitchinkid]

I just keep my rod down, close my eyes and hope for the best.

[Big Phish]

Thank you guys.  There's a lot of good tips here.  I'm going back out now for some rainy day fishin.  I'll see if i can apply any of the info you all gave me.

[dmac14]

Good Luck!