You never see the fish. You see the rod, the line, and how far it has taken you.
●Hold to pump. Every turn of the reel takes line back and puts strain on the rod.
●Let go when it runs. Released, the rod eases — and the fish takes line back.
●Read the rod, not the water. The bend is the tension. Past the red and the line parts; slack for too long and the hook falls out.
●A running fish makes for the reeds. Lean the rod against it — A and D, or drag on the water.