While not every rainbow trout hooked is a big fish, the reason many people come to Alaska and the Kenai River in particular is for the chance to land a big trout.  I like to tell people to get ready for big game trout fishing.  What does this mean exactly?

Most big fish are lost within the first few seconds of the fight and occasionally right near the end. There are three primary reasons for this. Not getting tight, getting too tight and not maintaining even pressure throughout the fight. Each trout reacts in a unique way.  Some Kenai rainbows will immediately streak away like a bonefish.  Others will launch like a tarpon, sometimes repeatedly. Some fish will dart straight toward the angler and swirl like a toilet flushing.  Hooking these fish can make your dreams come true and break your heart in a matter of moments.

As soon as a fish is hooked, the anglers’ focus must remain on the fish.  So often, people look down at their reel or line hand and try to pick up any slack with the reel.  Keep your eye on the fish. If the fish is charging, try to get tight by stripping, but keep the rod low so fly line does not get tangled on the tip or the reel.  If the fish turns and burns, feather the line carefully to the reel and let the drag do its thing.  The fish must be hooked first and then the line must be managed carefully and smartly.  After the first crazy moments, most fish will either take up any extra slack or settle down and give you time to catch up. 

Big fish take time to land.  Impatience and lose of focus near the end of the battle often leaves one with a sad empty feeling.  It is important to maintain steady even pressure throughout the battle.  Often, anglers think their fish is tired as it nears the net and they get comfortable holding the line or reel handle.  Most fish will panic several times near the net and a quick surge on a tight line means a broken tippet or pulled hook.

Some anglers become afraid of losing their trophy and ease up so much on the pressure that the fish gets a chance to rest.  This often leads to another cycle of fury with the fish gaining the upper hand and managing to either break the tippet or drop the hook.

The bottom line is hook the fish first, stay focused during the battle and don’t take anything for granted if you want to get that special big fish picture.  Most big fish are capable of escaping, but if you play it smart, you will land your share.

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