Q This year I hooked several stripers from the beach that I lost at the end of the fight, if there was any wave action. I get them within 20 feet of me, and then either I break them off or they come loose. Have you any suggestions?
There are many factors, of course, but the position of the fish when you have it ready to beach is important. The trick is to how you use the wave and the fish’s position. Never try to land the fish if it is swimming away from you. Unless the fish is small, you will usually pop the leader or lose the fish. Almost as bad is to have a fish swim sideways to you. Instead, use low side pressure to turn the fish so that it is heading toward the beach. Watch the waves once you have the fish heading toward the beach. When an incoming wave begins to rise and lift the fish with it, apply low side pressure to pull the fish along the top of the wave and onto the beach.
