Grabbing Your Line

[jcb]

OK, we've all heard it 1000 times: never grab your line while trying to land a big fish. On Schooled by Denny Brauer on ESPN, Denny would always take points away from the amateur anglers who grabbed their line landing a fish.

Yet watch any Bassmasters or FLW show: they grab their line OVER half the time when trying to get a hawg in the boat. This morning's Bassmaster Elite from California, it was almost every single time.

Personally I've never had a problem with it. Sometimes it's the quickest way to redirect the fish back to where you can grab it. Obviously, if the fish decides to take a run, you let go of the line, just as you would bow to the fish with your rod in other circumstances.

What about it, y'all? Step up, my line-grabbing friends, and be proud!

[gocards40]

I watched a recorded Elite series show yesterday and thought the exact same thing. I learned not to grab the line from my Catfishing days because that almost always resulted in a lost fish. But I would be interested to here from the Bass fishing pros what they think about this.

[thebassman30]

They are grabbing the line after the slick head is tired. It's still not a good habit and Denny will deduct points....lol...who cares.

[thebassman30]

They are grabbing the line after the slick head is tired. It's still not a good habit and Denny will deduct points....lol...who cares.

By saying who cares....I mean who cares if Denny Brauer is going to deduct points? Not who cares about your point.....knuckle-head....so sensitive...jeez....does your husband post. Sorry if I upset you, obviously a complete miscommunication on my part.

[jcb]

By saying who cares....I mean who cares if Denny Brauer is going to deduct points? Not who cares about your point.....knuckle-head....so sensitive...jeez....does your husband post. Sorry if I upset you, obviously a complete miscommunication on my part.

Dude, not upset, and if you think my point of discussion was whether or not Brauer deducted points you need to re-read the post.

Good deal, we'll chalk it up to miscommunication, although you don't help that case much by "Knuckle-head" and "Does your husband post" - nice touches.

End of the beating of this dead horse as far as I'm concerned. Bassman, PM me the next time you're in Central KY during the spring or summer and I'll take you on some Elkhorn Creek honey holes, no bulletin board disagreement a couple of 2.5 pound smallmouth can't cure.

[Cobra190]

Dude, not upset, and if you think my point of discussion was whether or not Brauer deducted points you need to re-read the post.

Good deal, we'll chalk it up to miscommunication, although you don't help that case much by "Knuckle-head" and "Does your husband post" - nice touches.

End of the beating of this dead horse as far as I'm concerned. Bassman, PM me the next time you're in Central KY during the spring or summer and I'll take you on some Elkhorn Creek honey holes, no bulletin board disagreement a couple of 2.5 pound smallmouth can't cure.

Let Denny deduct points. I give JCB 10 Points for a good sportsmanship move in the possible situation that could have been. Well done friend!!!

[DJD]

I have seen some of the Pro's do it as well. I was brought up being told not to do it so for the most part I don't but I can see where a ....on the water fishing educated man.... could manipulate the fish with a well placed pull on the line. I mean if you fish enough you learn that no matter what you do right there are times that the fish will win.

[worm1]

I used to do it until one time a fish made a hard run and it sliced into my hand. I haven't done it since.