It can be quite frustrating when an angler makes a perfect cast and fails to hook a fish, or when the bait angler feels the nibbling strike and upon raising his rod tip, feels it go slack. And when a fish is played for a period of time, then suddenly the line slacks, the ultimate in frustration is reached.

Dry fly fishing requires the most practiced timing to master hooking a fish. Small trout are normally rapid risers, while lunker fish will rise like an Atlantic Salmon, slow and easy, sucking the fly from the surface. In dry fly fishing, wait for the trout to take the fly and turn downward. Admittedly this takes some practice. The anxious beginning fly fisherman must fight the inclination to strike immediately upon seeing the rise. But invariably, if tension is kept on the line, leader, and fly, a trout will usually hook himself as he turns downward with the fly.

Once the fish swirls toward the bottom, merely raise the rod tip gently and you should have the fish. With wet fly and streamer fishing, trout normally strike in a solid surge. Merely keeping a taut line will automatically hook the fish. With bait fishing, however, it's a different story. More often, trout will nibble at a bait and if an angler strikes too fast, he'll tear the bait from the fishes mouth. When you feel the gentle tap-tapping of a strike, immediately lower your rod tip which puts slack in the line, wait a few moments and then strike. You will have the fish hooked solidly.

Never become preoccupied while waiting for a strike. Instant response is required and will result in a hooked fish. Remember, too, that hooks become dull through use, so always run hooks over your pocket hone before using them.

Once a fish is hooked, bear in mind it's the rod pressure that does the tiring. Keep the rod tip high and in a constant arc. Quickly retrieve all slack line, but if it's a large fish, let him take a little line and make sure your drag is adjusted properly. Always keep constant pressure on the fish, but never attempt to "horse" him in. Many big fish are lost by anglers who panic and endeavor to reel a fish in despite the fact that he's headed in the opposite direction.

If you are fortunate enough to tie into a real "tackle buster" and it decides to head downstream, go with it. Watch your footing, but walk as fast as possible, following the running fish. Too often large fish are lost by trying to work them upstream against a heavy current.

And above all, work the fish until he's entirely played out. Landing a "green" fish will often result in a lost fish. By keeping constant pressure on the rod and line, the fish will eventually come to the surface, resting on its side. Only then should the landing net be gently slipped under it. Remember to slide the fish into the net head first and under it. A trout can be easily lost by swiping at it with the net or by trying to land it tail first.

Use these tips on your next fishing trip and best of luck in your fishing pursuits!

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