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12. END PLAY
NB this page is under construction

One of the most dramatic aspects of catching big fish is the end play, when the fish is brought o the boat and tagged, leadered, hooks removed and then finally set free. This is certainly the most dangerous time for both crew and fish. There are many ways of doing this such as. The following is just one of them.

DANGER:
Decks clared, rods away, gloves, pliers, tools, even cameras ready and at hand. Know who is going to do what.

BOAT POSITION:
The boat should be positioned to take the fish. The boat should be down drift, either down wind or down drift depending on which is the stronger. The boat should be in forward gear as the leader is taken and at no time should it be in neutral until the fish is either boated or released. With large or lively fish the boat my have to be driven to "dance" with the fish. The boat should also be driven so the fish is never forward of the trace-man, pointed directly at the boat, or directly behind the boat unless you have a great deal of experience.

The angle or depth of the fish is also relevent.

TAKING THE LEADER
Taking wraps, or just sinching
Angler back off drag, swivel to the tip]
Boat in forward gear
- Fish along side boat - not behind
- Fish never ahead of trace man

BOATSIDE

- As bill comes up roped (or

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