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What do you do if you have a fish that is bigger than your rod is supposed to handle?
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Jan 11, 2021 09:51:30   #
FS Digest
 
I have a small rod, it's about 6 ft 6 with 8 pound test. That's good for freshwater, but sometimes there's going to be those fish that are huge. What do I do if I get one of those? Do I put the drag at it's lowest?

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by SoaringCourage1

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Jan 11, 2021 10:04:09   #
lorafa93 Loc: North Venice, Florida
 
As long as the drag is set properly you should be able to fight the fish until it tires. That is as long as there isn’t anything for the fish to get hung up on and break your line.

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Jan 11, 2021 10:07:47   #
bknecht Loc: Northeast pa
 
You should be able to handle most freshwater fish with 8 lb. test, with the exception of things like sturgeon, and toothy critters like pike and Muskie. Depends what you’re using as baits. I certainly wouldn’t set the hook if I were using plastic worms. Adjust drag accordingly to keep pressure on fish but no too light or too heavy. Additionally, you might want to pick up some other rods for different applications. You don’t have to spend a ton of money. Bass pro and Cabelas have some fine combos that can be had for a fairly inexpensive price.

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Jan 11, 2021 10:10:10   #
Ben Bragg Loc: Dayton Ohio
 
Tjis is a good problem
Would not run drag at its lowest.
I’d increase drag to the point that I have some control over the fish.
You can always apply more pressure by touching the spool ( thumb on bait cast , fingers of free hand on spinning ) when needed
DO not high stick. That is holding the rod straight up,!or beyond straight up
This will really stress the rod and may cause it to snap
Try lifting the rod then reel while controlled dropping. This will allow you to gain line

Aside from that I’m out of ideas. Hold on and be patient. Trust your equipment and Hope to hell nothing comes apart

I caught my PB Hybrid striper 13 pounds on an outfit similar to what you describe

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Jan 11, 2021 10:10:58   #
bknecht Loc: Northeast pa
 
Forgot to end my sentence “ I certainly wouldn’t set the hook like you see the bass pros do when they’re using plastic worms. Sorry

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Jan 11, 2021 10:12:42   #
JRK227 Loc: Cedarburg, WI
 
You might want use a good brand of braided line like Power Pro. It handles abrasion and stress better than mono or fluorocarbon. When my oldest daughter was 4 years old she caught and landed a 32' Northern Pike on her 4 foot Zebco rod and reel combo. She is in her late 40's and still loves to fish.

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Jan 11, 2021 10:15:47   #
flyguy Loc: Lake Onalaska, Sunfish Capitol of the World!
 
FS Digest wrote:
I have a small rod, it's about 6 ft 6 with 8 pound test. That's good for freshwater, but sometimes there's going to be those fish that are huge. What do I do if I get one of those? Do I put the drag at it's lowest?


by SoaringCourage1


Welcome to the Forum, SC. No don't put your drag at its lowest, the fish will strip your reel and then break your line. Adjust your drag according to what the fish is doing. If the fish is taking line, tighten the drag, a little, if he isn't taking line, loosen it a little. As far as catching a huge fish with 8# test line, have your buddy jump in a swimming pool with a hook attached to his shorts and you will be able to "land" him. But, use a big net.

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Jan 11, 2021 11:37:35   #
OJdidit Loc: Oak Creek Wisconsin
 
Big fish can be landed on light line. It might just take a lot longer. Let the rod and the drag fight them and as long as the line doesn’t break or the hook straightens out you have a chance.

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Jan 11, 2021 11:37:51   #
Ronniejw Loc: West Point MS
 
FS Digest wrote:
I have a small rod, it's about 6 ft 6 with 8 pound test. That's good for freshwater, but sometimes there's going to be those fish that are huge. What do I do if I get one of those? Do I put the drag at it's lowest?

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by SoaringCourage1


Set your drag and leave it so a bit of pressure some line comes off then fighting a big fish recover line when you can without putting stress on the gear. Years back I caught a 37lb fish on 10lb line, just worked at it patiently and got it in. All it takes is patience

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Jan 11, 2021 14:29:23   #
plumbob Loc: New Windsor Maryland
 
FS Digest wrote:
I have a small rod, it's about 6 ft 6 with 8 pound test. That's good for freshwater, but sometimes there's going to be those fish that are huge. What do I do if I get one of those? Do I put the drag at it's lowest?

--
by SoaringCourage1


Tire him out and Thank the Lord once he is on board.

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Jan 11, 2021 15:39:41   #
Robert J Samples Loc: Round Rock, Texas
 
First, your reel has a suggested 8 lb. test line as a recommendation, not a law! You can obviously put a different test line on yhour reel, in reason. Then as the other posts have said, be patient and wear the rascal out. Just Sayin...RJS

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Jan 12, 2021 08:13:20   #
Frank romero Loc: Clovis, NM
 
FS Digest wrote:
I have a small rod, it's about 6 ft 6 with 8 pound test. That's good for freshwater, but sometimes there's going to be those fish that are huge. What do I do if I get one of those? Do I put the drag at it's lowest?

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by SoaringCourage1


I landed a 20lb carp with ultra lite rod using 6lb line. I had drag set where fish could run enough but not break line. Took about 45 mins to land. Had a lot of guys saying it was just a carp. Me I said it was fun.

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Jan 12, 2021 08:50:48   #
Mikeinmac Loc: Central Kansas
 
Set the drag to a safe limit depending on that fish and the fight. Wear him down and let the equipment work for you. Most of my fishing is with ultralight rod/reel with 4-6 lb line. Very sensitive, a lot of fun and you'll be amazed at how big of fish you can get in. So far the largest I've brought in with that small rig was 26 1/2" flathead cat with river current. And yes I do certainly loose a few

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Jan 12, 2021 10:56:29   #
OK John Loc: Oklahoma City,OK
 
FS Digest wrote:
I have a small rod, it's about 6 ft 6 with 8 pound test. That's good for freshwater, but sometimes there's going to be those fish that are huge. What do I do if I get one of those? Do I put the drag at it's lowest?

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by SoaringCourage1


Your rod should do the majority of the work. If you let the fish pull too much line you will end up at the end of your line then you are screwed. Better to back reel and chase the fish if you are in a boat. Sometimes the fish wins.

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Jan 12, 2021 13:21:45   #
Gripnriprod Loc: Concepcion Costa Rica
 
I’ve caught a few fish that I had to follow down stream. Fortunately it’s always been in shallow water so I didn’t get too wet mostly because I was wearing my waders. This happens when I’ve been “out gunned”: fishing for smallish trout with my three weight and having a 15# salmon take my fly.
As others have suggested, adjust your drag such that the fish can pull line but you can feel like you have some control. It’s an experience thing.
Go get ‘em.

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