"Marcel" wrote in message ...
I read somewhere that certain experienced anglers set to 'free spool'
when there is a hard run from the fish. This mystifies me because
doesn't doing this only lose your precious line?

I would never free spool the reel when hooked up on a big fish. First
off, if you back lash the reel, the fish is gone. Second, the more
line on the spool, without over filling the spool, the more of a
mechanical advantage you have. Third, the more line out the better the
chance of breaking the line simply due to the resistance the line
itself creates as it moves through the water if the fish turns and
creates a bow in the line. Forth, the longer the fight, the better the
chances the fish will escape.

I have seen people back off on the drag, but, to me, it's a mistake if
your drag is working properly and it's set properly.

The only time I back off on the drag is when the wire man has the
leader in his hand.