I used to guide on Kentucky Lake for a number of years, and during that time I saw guys set hooks some funny ways, including raising the rod way over their heads and behind them. You can lose a lot of fish by getting all contorted like that. When you extend your arms way out like that behind you and the bass does something crazy like run at you, you’ve got nowhere to go. The line gets slack in it, and maybe the fish jumps off.

When fighting a fish, try to keep the reel in front of you and you’ll always have better control of the rod. Draw an imaginary square in front of you and make sure the reel stays somewhere in that box. Whichever way the fish goes, it’s just a matter of swiveling your hips or adjusting the rod to keep the pressure on. The rod will fight the fish, but the reel brings it to the boat. Let them do their jobs by keeping them where you have complete control at all times.

— OFF! pro Terry Bolton, Jonesboro, Ark.