Mike_G
06-03-2005, 06:00 PM
Just got back from Cabo where we fished the Rolex/IGFA Offshore Invitational Tournament. We got our butts kicked; out of 70 teams we fished 60th. We are from the north/east and this was our first time fishing for marlin. The advice we received (after the tournament) was not to place your thumb on the reel when the fish picks up the bait and runs. We were required to use non-offset circle hooks. Although we are accustomed to using circle hooks we found it difficult not to thumb the reels (to prevent backlash). Is this true? Should one just let the fish run with no thumb pressure on the spool?