Big fish on light line?

[catfishpat10]

Hey Larry,

What is your opinion of specifically targeting big fish with light line? Do you think this practice potentially increase the chance of mortality to the fish or not really? I personally use the heaviest line I can get away with so I can land and release the fish asap. Thanks in advance for your input.

-Patrick

[dahlberg]

Hey CFP,
I totally agree with you.
No question about it, the more quickly you bring them in, the better chance for survival.
Sometimes, using light line, you can "trick" a fish into thinking it's not in trouble and snatch it pretty quickly, but for the most part, most anglers (and most fish) would be better off from a post release mortality standpoint, by using the heaviest line they can get away with and pulling to the maximum the tackle will allow.
best,
L