MAKE A RUN. When tangling with hard running fish, be they bass, pike, muskies or large trout, managing specific aspects of the battle and being cognizant of advanced techniques can help land those fish who put your equipment and skills to the test. We share those tips in today’s Three Things.
Photo: A charging smallmouth muddies the shallows of the Sheyenne River on Thursday evening. Simonson Photo.
DAILY CONDITIONS:
WEATHER (Bismarck Forecast):
Today: Fri 5/18 – Continued damp. Hi 63, Lo 47, .25” Rain. Wind N@16, G25
Tomorrow: Sat 5/19 – Definition of post-frontal. Hi 62, Lo 42, Wind NE@20, G30
SOLUNAR (Bismarck Times):
Sunrise: 6:05AM Sunset: 9:15PM
Moonrise: 9:07AM Moonset Fol. Day
Overhead: 5:00PM Underfoot: 4:29AM
Moon Phase: Waxing Crescent (14% Full)
EDGE HOUR: 4:30 – 5:30PM. Moon overhead with no rain will be your best shot at a bite as things get breezy in the Edge Hour.
DAY RATING:
THREE THINGS
KEEP THE ANGLE. Use your rod to your advantage, keeping the tip high to maintain leverage and control over running fish. This puts the “angle” in angling and allows you to direct the beast when they slow, turn or start to tire.
WHAT A DRAG. The release of line through the drag mechanism helps maintain tension while preventing stress and breaking of the line. Be familiar with how to loosen and tighten your reel’s drag in the heat of the moment without having to look down at it.
PAY YOUR RESPECTS. Jumping fish use physics to their advantage, turning fishing line into a rubber band of sorts. To avoid the stretch and sling of line (especially monofilament) when fish jump, drop the rod tip slightly in the direction of the jumping fish (called “bowing”) and when it hits the water again, reel tight and lift out the slack to resume the fight.
Stay Sharp!
