Finessing fish on the wire

Marco · #1 (**permalink**) 12-06-2000, 02:42 PM

Should one muscle a fish to the boat (as much as possible) or give and take, quietly, without a ruckus, to avoid spooking the fish? If the latter, any thoughts on how this should be executed?

Marco · #2 (**permalink**) 12-06-2000, 02:42 PM

Should one muscle a fish to the boat (as much as possible) or give and take, quietly, without a ruckus, to avoid spooking the fish? If the latter, any thoughts on how this should be executed?

#3 (**permalink**) 12-06-2000, 06:59 PM

Hi Marco,

Each approach has several +ve and -ve depending on the fishing circumstances,

The softer approach has some distinct advantages, the fish can be lead to the boat at the same pressure as what the angler had been applying during the fight. This helps to prevent the fish spooking! when additional pressure is suddenly applied.

Another advantage of taking it a bit easier is that if the fish is only hooked very lightly, any sudden increase or decrease in pressure could pop the hook.

However, depending on the circumstances, (deteriorating sea, angler fitness, competition deadlines...there are many)
you may only have 'one shot' at the fish, and need to determine whats best for each paticular situation.

Interested to hear from those with vastly more experience than I have, which technique they prefer.

#4 (**permalink**) 12-06-2000, 06:59 PM

Hi Marco,

Each approach has several +ve and -ve depending on the fishing circumstances,

The softer approach has some distinct advantages, the fish can be lead to the boat at the same pressure as what the angler had been applying during the fight. This helps to prevent the fish spooking! when additional pressure is suddenly applied.

Another advantage of taking it a bit easier is that if the fish is only hooked very lightly, any sudden increase or decrease in pressure could pop the hook.

However, depending on the circumstances, (deteriorating sea, angler fitness, competition deadlines...there are many)
you may only have 'one shot' at the fish, and need to determine whats best for each paticular situation.

Interested to hear from those with vastly more experience than I have, which technique they prefer.

crusty · #5 (**permalink**) 12-07-2000, 01:01 AM

are you using wire or mono and what sizes ?

crusty · #6 (**permalink**) 12-07-2000, 01:01 AM

are you using wire or mono and what sizes ?

Marco · #7 (**permalink**) 12-07-2000, 06:43 AM

Mainly mono. Leader lengths are between 12' and 14', 200 lbs. and 350 lbs. My lures that are 10" and under, and all the baits are using the 200 lbs. leader. Do the size and strength of the leader make a difference?

Marco · #8 (**permalink**) 12-07-2000, 06:43 AM

Mainly mono. Leader lengths are between 12' and 14', 200 lbs. and 350 lbs. My lures that are 10" and under, and all the baits are using the 200 lbs. leader. Do the size and strength of the leader make a difference?

Chet Spreen · #9 (**permalink**) 12-07-2000, 09:27 AM

Marco,

Before I start taking wraps on a fish I first look at what pound leader I am using compared to the size of the fish, then I try to determine the hook placement. Are the hooks solidly placed or could they pull loose if I get too aggressive?

Example: If I am using 200lb. leader on a 150lb. striped marlin, I am usually going to be very aggressive, unless the fish is really green, then I will ease up a bit. Vice versa if I had a 450lb. blue on 300lb. leader then I am going to try and ease the fish in because of the fish's size compared to the leader size.

All in all I think wiring fish becomes instinctive, you really have to sort of feel your way through the process and find a technique that works for you. Knowing when to ease up a bit and then tighten up a bit on the wire is very important, along with trying to decipher the placement of the hooks in the fish. The more fish you wire the better your instincts will get.

Just my 2 cents.

Fish Hard,
Chet

Chet Spreen · #10 (**permalink**) 12-07-2000, 09:27 AM

Marco,

Before I start taking wraps on a fish I first look at what pound leader I am using compared to the size of the fish, then I try to determine the hook placement. Are the hooks solidly placed or could they pull loose if I get too aggressive?

Example: If I am using 200lb. leader on a 150lb. striped marlin, I am usually going to be very aggressive, unless the fish is really green, then I will ease up a bit. Vice versa if I had a 450lb. blue on 300lb. leader then I am going to try and ease the fish in because of the fish's size compared to the leader size.

All in all I think wiring fish becomes instinctive, you really have to sort of feel your way through the process and find a technique that works for you. Knowing when to ease up a bit and then tighten up a bit on the wire is very important, along with trying to decipher the placement of the hooks in the fish. The more fish you wire the better your instincts will get.

Just my 2 cents.

Fish Hard,
Chet