The real whopper, the fish you would dearly love to see in a display case on your den wall, can give you the slip for any number of preventable reasons.

In your excitement, you can fail to set the hook properly when the fish strikes. Too much slack in your line and he can tangle in weeds and break loose. Hold the line too tight, and when your fish leaps, he can fall on the taut line, snapping it. Your catch may flop out of your hands as you attempt to lift it out of the water. Possibly the worst blow of all is when your friend and fishing partner knocks a trophy fish off the hook with an awkward blow of the landing net. Many beers needed to get over that one!

In other words, there are many more factors involved in catching AND LANDING fish, than just presenting your lure/bait. They include your ability to hook, hold, and handle the fish that strikes.

As anglers, we need to remember that different species of fish have their own characteristics and fighting styles that call for different tactics by us. The environment of some fish, also the manner in which they take your lure, can cause problems. You also need to understand the limitations of the tackle you are using, if you want to land most of the fish you hook, (and who doesn't).

What we might often regard as bad luck, especially in the bar at the end of the day, is often caused by the angler's lack of familiarity with their tackle. Knowledge of your rod's action, and the practical amount of striking power of the rod, line, and leader will determine just how much strain can be allowed in playing the fish.

Finally, despite everything else, yes, luck does enter the picture. Remember that even the most experienced experts lose fish occasionally. Well, perhaps more than occasionally if the truth is told. Well, we are fishermen, we're allowed a little latitude aren't we?

This is the first of a short series of articles on the subject of playing and landing fish. Watch out for part two.