Fighting Large Trout

As a person who has been fishing for and catching large trout in the flowing current of rivers and streams for more than 20 years, I think I'm qualified to review a few points to keep in mind when fighting a large trout. I personally fish with ultra light fishing gear and four pound test monofilament line, so these points are that much more important. I suggest everyone use ultra light gear for trout fishing, because catching them in this manner is as much fun as can be had with your clothes on! When it comes to large trout (18 inches and above) keep these points in mind while fighting them to improve you success rate.

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  Keep fresh line spooled on your reel - This point is for those of us that use monofilament fishing line. When your line has been fished with for any extended period of time, it gets stretched, frayed, twisted, etc. This can cost you when fighting a large trout. I change my fishing line at least once a month during the heart of fishing season. Fresh line enables you to cast better, tie knots better, and has the strength that is necessary when fighting a large trout.
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  Keep your rod tip high - In almost all cases large trout will run towards deeper water or underwater debris. Large trout love to bolt for the biggest rock or underwater branch in an attempt to get tangled or break the line. Keeping your rod tip high gives you your best advantage at controlling the fish. Keeping your rod tip high also takes pressure off of the line by using the bend of your rod to the maximum advantage.
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  Let the fish tire itself out - Using the strength of the fish to your advantage is critical. This means if the fish wants to make a run, let it! If the fish gets in the current and just stops, let it sit there and tire itself out. A favorite move of large trout is just that. Getting into the current and turning their body at such an angle that it feels as if they are snagged. Many times your not snagged, the fish is just "wedged" in the current. Let the trout tire itself out as much as possible.
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  Set your drag as you go - many anglers set their drag and then forget about it. This is a mistake. Set your drag fairly tight for hook-sets, and then adjust it after you "feel" how large the fish is. There's no one place that your drag should be set. Your drag should be changed as you fight the fish. If it's too tight, your line could break, too loose and the fish will constantly be taking line, and get off. Where to set your drag for any given fish is an experience thing, so the more time you can spend fishing, the better. The point is, set your drag tight for the hook-set, and then back it off as you "feel" how big the trout is.
  
  

These points will help you fight and land large trout on a much more consistent basis. Remember there's nothing that will help your large trout fighting ability more than practice, so get out there and start catching some trout. And never forget what Gandhi said of practice,"An ounce of practice is worth more than tons of preaching." The "fighting large trout" sermon is over.