There’s nothing quite like it — your line tightens, your rod bends, and your heart skips a beat. Something big just hit! It could be a bass, a catfish, or maybe even that legendary monster people say lurks in Lake Erie. 

Every angler remembers their big catch. It’s a moment that sticks with you — part adrenaline, part awe, pure excitement. For some, it happens after years of practice. For others, it happens on their very first cast. But no matter when it happens, one thing is for sure: You will never forget. 

For me, it was Clearfork Lake near Mansfield while I was pre-fishing for a tournament. The water shimmered under the morning sun as I cast a Ned Rig, a small, soft plastic worm, near the dam. I was bouncing it along the bottom when bam! Immediately, I knew it was a big fish. It didn’t fight much, but I could tell it was heavy. With a medium-heavy rod, 12-pound test line, and plenty of patience, I landed a beautiful fish weighing in at 7.4-pounds. 

Catching fish big or small is the goal of any outing, but the real reward is the experience itself, which begins long before the first cast: preparing your gear, lunch and transportation; arriving at the lake, casting, and the anticipation just before the strike; the tug on the line; and the battle between angler and fish. Finally, the moment your hands touch the fish and you realize you did it! 

My unforgettable catch taught me a lot, and not just about fishing but about preparation and patience. To help you land your own big one, here are some essential tips I’ve learned over the years: 

Check your line often

Before every outing, and occasionally even between casts, run your fingers along your line. If you feel any nicks, frays or rough spots, cut the line and retie. A small abrasion can snap under pressure, especially when a big fish pulls hard.

Learn to tie a solid knot

A strong knot is your lifeline. If it slips or breaks, that trophy fish swims free. Learn tried-and-true knots like the Improved Clinch Knot, Palomar Knot or Uni Knot, and practice tying them until it’s second nature.

Set your drag properly

Your drag should be tight enough to control the fish but loose enough to let it run without breaking the line. You can test this by pulling on the line just above your reel. It should give but not peel off too easily.

No sudden moves

When you hook a big one, stay calm. Keep your rod tip up and let the drag do its job. If the fish runs, let it go — then reel in when it tires. Apply steady pressure, but avoid jerking the rod. Sudden moves can cause the hook to tear loose or the line to snap.

Use the right gear

Big fish need stronger rods, reels and line. Make sure your setup matches the size of the fish you’re targeting. For larger freshwater fish like bass, catfish or pike, a medium-heavy spinning rod and 10–20 lbs. test line are a solid start. For pan fish, use lighter line and gear.

Final tip

Be patient. Be prepared. And enjoy the fight. Landing a big fish takes time — but that moment when you finally bring it in? It’s worth every second.

About Hooked

“Hooked” is a comic strip based on characters taken from the book “Learn To Fish, A Step-By-Step Guide For Beginning Anglers.” It features a multicultural cast of teens who love to fish and decide to form a fishing club in Cleveland. See “Hooked” monthly right here on the Signal Cleveland website produced in partnership with Dennis James Knowles and Gail Ann Grizzell of Cleveland’s The Fishing Foundation.

Ohio does not require those under 16 to have a fishing license. Read more on Ohio fishing laws here.

About The Fishing Foundation

“Hooked” is produced by longtime Cleveland anglers Dennis Knowles and Gail Grizzell, founders of The Fishing Foundation (TFF), a non-profit organization in Northeast Ohio that takes teens fishing. Through events, mentorship programs and hands-on training, TFF provides unique opportunities for individuals from underserved communities to connect with nature and each other.

Beyond instruction, the foundation provides participants with rods, reels, bait, tackle and even a souvenir T-shirt. At each event, attendees enjoy lunch and refreshments while building skills and confidence. And as a lasting memento, each child gets to keep their rod and reel. TFF’s flagship project, “Learn to Fish: A Step-by-Step Guide for Beginning Anglers,” is a guidebook that equips beginner anglers with the knowledge they need to succeed at fishing.

Whether you’re a seasoned angler or a complete beginner, The Fishing Foundation, and the adventures of “Hooked,” can help. Spend time in Cleveland’s beautiful parks, lakes and rivers and experience the benefits of connecting with nature.

The great outdoors is waiting for you — make 2025 the year you get “hooked” on fishing!

The Fishing Foundation