What is High Sticking in Fishing? Easy Way to Snap Your Rod!
You’ve likely heard the fishing tales of ‘the one that got away.’ But, did you know your high sticking technique might be the culprit?
It’s a common method, but it’s breaking your line, snapping rods, and letting fish escape. Dive into the world of fishing know-how, and understand why this technique might not be your best bet.
It’s time to level up your fishing game and ensure your fish stories end with a triumphant catch, not a disappointing loss.
What is High Sticking in Fishing? Understanding the Causes of Rod Snapping
High sticking is a fishing term that every angler should be familiar with, especially if they want to avoid the heartbreak of a snapped rod. It’s a common mistake, but with the right knowledge, it can be easily avoided. Let’s delve into the concept of high sticking and the primary reasons behind rod breakage:
- Definition of High Sticking: High sticking occurs when an angler holds the fishing rod at a very sharp angle, typically greater than 90 degrees relative to the water’s surface, while fighting a fish or retrieving a snag. This acute angle puts excessive stress on the rod, especially on its tip section.
- The Danger Zone: While fishing rods are designed to flex and handle the strain, they have limits. The rod’s strength is optimized when the bend is distributed evenly along its length. High sticking concentrates the pressure on a small section, making it vulnerable to snapping.
- Common Scenarios: High sticking often happens in the heat of the moment – when an angler is trying to lift a heavy fish out of the water, pulling a snag free, or when trying to quickly change the direction of a strong fish.
- Material Matters: It only takes around 20 lbs of pressure to break a fishing rod. While all rods can fall victim to high sticking, certain materials are more susceptible. For instance, graphite rods, known for their sensitivity and lightweight, are also more brittle than fiberglass rods and can break more easily when high sticked.
- Prevention: The best way to avoid high sticking is to always be mindful of the rod’s angle. Keeping the rod at a 45-degree angle or less when fighting a fish is ideal. Using the reel’s drag system effectively and allowing the fish to run when it pulls hard can also reduce the chances of high sticking.
- Understanding Rod Action: Rods come with different actions – fast, medium, and slow. Fast action rods bend mostly near the tip, while slow action rods bend throughout their length. Knowing your rod’s action can help you gauge how much pressure it can handle and at which points.
- Regular Inspection: Regularly inspecting your rod for any signs of damage, like cracks or nicks, can prevent unexpected breakages. Even a small imperfection can significantly reduce a rod’s strength.
High sticking is a pitfall that many anglers, both novice and experienced, can fall into. By understanding the mechanics behind rod stress and being conscious of your rod’s angle and condition, you can ensure that your fishing adventures remain snap-free and enjoyable.
Exploring the Reasons Behind Line Breaking
While a snapped rod is a dramatic event, line breakage is an equally frustrating experience for anglers. A broken line can mean the loss of a prized catch or a cherished lure. Understanding the reasons behind line breaking can help prevent such disappointments and enhance the overall fishing experience. Here’s a deep dive into the common causes:
- Line Age and Wear: Fishing line, especially monofilament, degrades over time due to exposure to sunlight, saltwater, and general wear and tear. An old or worn-out line is significantly weaker and more prone to breaking.
- Knot Weakness: Improperly tied or poorly chosen knots can be a primary cause of line failure. It’s essential to learn and master reliable fishing knots and ensure they’re tied correctly.
- Abrasion: Fishing in areas with rocks, coral, or heavy underwater structure can cause the line to rub against sharp or rough surfaces, leading to abrasions. Even minor nicks can significantly reduce the line’s strength.
- Overloading: Every fishing line has a specific weight limit or “test.” Exceeding this limit, either by hooking a fish that’s too heavy or getting snagged on a heavy object, can cause the line to snap.
- Shock Force: Sudden jerks or forceful strikes, especially when using a line with low stretch, can result in breakage. This is why many anglers use a shock leader – a thicker section of line – to absorb these sudden forces.
- Line Twist: Continuous spinning or twisting of the line, often caused by certain lures or improper reeling techniques, can weaken the line and make it more susceptible to breaking.
- Chemical Exposure: Fishing lines can be sensitive to certain chemicals. Exposure to gasoline, sunscreen, or insect repellent can degrade the line’s integrity.
- Temperature Extremes: Extreme cold can make some lines brittle, while prolonged exposure to heat can soften and weaken them. Storing fishing gear in a stable environment can help prolong line life.
- Mismatched Gear: Using a line that’s too thin or weak for the rod or reel can lead to breakages. It’s crucial to ensure that the line, rod, and reel are compatible and suited for the intended fishing style.
- Inadequate Drag Setting: The drag system on a reel allows the line to be pulled out under pressure, preventing breakage. If set too tight, the line might not release quickly enough when a fish strikes, leading to snaps.
While line breakage is an inherent risk in fishing, understanding its causes and taking preventive measures can significantly reduce its occurrence. Regular line inspection, proper gear maintenance, and continuous learning can help anglers minimize line failures and maximize their fishing success.
The Inefficiency of High Sticking in Tiring Fish
Despite common misconceptions, raising your pole too much can actually make reeling in your catch more difficult. It’s all about balance, you see. The entire rod must join forces to resist the fish’s pull, not just the tip.
When you high stick, you’re preventing the rod from doing its job properly. And what’s worse? It prolongs the battle, making it harder for you to tire the fish out. More time spent wrestling means more opportunities for things to go awry.
You’re part of a community of anglers who value knowledge and wisdom. They’ve been through the struggles and learned the hard way. So, remember, keep your rod at a 45 to 60 degree angle and join the ranks of those who fish smart, not hard.
Evaluating the Risk of Losing Fish Due to High Sticking
High sticking, as previously discussed, is a common pitfall in the angling world. But how does it directly correlate to the risk of losing a prized catch? Let’s evaluate the connection:
- Pressure Points: High sticking places undue stress on specific sections of the rod, especially the tip. This uneven distribution of force can lead to sudden rod snaps, instantly freeing the fish.
- Reduced Control: Holding the rod at a sharp angle diminishes an angler’s ability to control and guide the fish effectively. This lack of control can give the fish an advantage, increasing the chances of it escaping.
- Line Vulnerability: A high-sticked rod often results in the fishing line touching the rod’s blank at multiple points. This can cause abrasions or nicks in the line, weakening it and increasing the risk of line breakage.
- Missed Strikes: High sticking can also affect the rod’s sensitivity, making it harder to detect subtle bites or strikes. An angler might miss the opportunity to set the hook properly, leading to lost fish.
- Fatigue Factor: Continuously high sticking, especially with larger fish, can quickly tire out an angler. Fatigue can lead to mistakes, reduced reaction times, and ultimately, the loss of the fish.
While high sticking might seem like a minor error, its repercussions can be significant. By understanding the risks associated with this technique and practicing proper rod handling, anglers can greatly reduce the chances of losing their catch to high sticking.
Final Thoughts
In the end, it’s clear high sticking is a no-go. It puts your rod and line at risk, makes fights with fish lengthy, and even lets your catches slip away.
So, why risk it? Remember, as they say in fishing, it’s all about the bend. Get that right, and the fish will follow.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is high-sticking in fishing?
A: High-sticking in fishing refers to a technique where the fisherman holds the rod tip higher than 90 degrees from the water surface while attempting to catch fish. It is commonly used in fly fishing, particularly for nymphing techniques.
Q: Why is high-sticking recommended for nymph fishing?
A: High-sticking is recommended for nymph fishing because it enables the fisherman to keep the fly drifting naturally, close to the bottom of the water column, where most trout feed. It also helps to minimize line drag and detect subtle strikes.
Q: What is the purpose of high-sticking?
A: The purpose of high-sticking is to keep the fly line off the water’s surface and maintain direct contact with the fly, allowing for better control of the drift and increasing sensitivity to strikes.
Q: How do you high-stick in fishing?
A: To high-stick in fishing, hold the rod with a firm grip, keeping the rod straight and the tip raised above 90 degrees from the water’s surface. Maintain constant contact with the fly line and be ready to set the hook when you feel a strike.
Q: Can high-sticking cause the rod to break?
A: Yes, high-sticking can potentially cause the rod to break. If the fisherman lifts the rod too aggressively or uses excessive force while high-sticking, it can put too much stress on the rod blank, leading to a rod failure.
Q: What precautions should be taken to prevent rod breakage during high-sticking?
A: To prevent rod breakage during high-sticking, it is important to use a rod that is appropriate for the fishing situation. Make sure the rod has the right flexibility and strength to handle the fish you are targeting. Avoid lifting the rod too forcefully and try to keep the angle below 90 degrees to minimize the risk of a rod failure.
Q: Is high-sticking a common technique in fly fishing?
A: Yes, high-sticking is a common technique in fly fishing, especially for nymph fishing. It is widely used by fly fishermen to effectively present nymphs in trout streams.
Q: What happens if you don’t high-stick while nymphing?
A: If you don’t high-stick while nymphing, the fly line may drag on the water’s surface, which can create tension on the fly and impede the natural drift. This can make it harder to detect strikes and result in a less successful presentation.
Q: Can you still use high-sticking techniques when fishing with dry flies?
A: High-sticking techniques are typically not used when fishing with dry flies because the goal with dry fly fishing is to imitate the natural movement of insects on the water’s surface. However, in certain situations such as fishing with heavy nymph imitations or in fast-moving water, some anglers may employ a modified form of high-sticking.
Q: What are some other terms used to describe high-sticking?
A: High-sticking is also commonly referred to as “holding the rod high,” “lifting the rod,” or “sticking the rod.”
