When a fish feels the hook it struggles to get free. This might involve jumping, making a long run, swimming back against the line or swimming around obstacles. Each species of fish fights differently.

Fish hooked in shallow water are more likely to jump and behave more frantically than those hooked in deep water. Deep-water fish often seek the bottom.

It's possible to land many small fish just by reeling them in. They'll fight, but they aren't as strong as the line and the rod Use lighter tackle you can get some fight out of the smallest fish in the ocean, bay, river or lake.

If you're catch and release fishing, don't fight too long or the fish will die from exhaustion before or after you release it.