6. Don't rip it out.
Big fish DO eat small bugs. When fishing smaller flies, don't haul the fish in like you're strapped into the chair of the Orca wrestling a 25 foot Great White! Small flies don't only require finesse on the surface, but finesse during the fight as well. They're small, therefore they grab less. Take it easy!
7. Utilize your Drag
Not all of us use drag to its full potential. Some are confident “palming” the reel and that's fine. Personally, I feel the reel can do a more consistent job of releasing line in a smoother fashion than a palm to the spool. All it takes is to lose your balance, slip off the spool, and the fish to run. What's left, is trying to keep a fish on while dealing with a rat's nest. Not fun! Adjust the drag on your reel while fighting a fish and find its happy place for your stream’s fish. Learn it, and use it.
8. “Keep your rod tip high”
That's one way to do it. However, there are plenty of other ways to keep a fish at bay. Turning the fish from its course quickly before it can gather its bearings can be key. Don't be afraid to move your rod low and turn it downstream to the side of the river where the water is not moving as fast. If a big fish gives you opportunity, take it.
9. Chase it down.
When fishing flowing water, fish can add distance in a hurry. Add some fast current and a run downstream, and things can quickly go south. If the fish is taking more line than you can keep up with, it's time to catch up. Just make sure you keep a tight line as you move.
10. Have a reliable net man.
The last place a big fish wants to be is in your net, and will usually make a last ditch effort to bolt again. Holding your rod in one hand and netting a big fish with the other isn't an easy task. Having a reliable net man can make all the difference when it comes down to putting the fish of a lifetime in the net. They can seal the deal, or ruin your friendship in seconds
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