Why do saltwater fish run?

You are not the only one that has had to deal with fish running after they are hooked.  In fact, this happens to just about everyone.  While you may think that your fish is going to pull you over board, that is not going to happen.  Understanding why they are tugging, though, can help you to understand this creature a bit better.

The reason saltwater fish run when they are hooked is actually pretty simple.  They run when hooked for the same reason you would!  Once they feel the bite of the hook, and the tug of the tight fishing line, they simply panic and try to get away.  They are doing what almost any creature would, they are trying to flee this unknown occurrence.
 
If you let up on the line, and give them the chance, they will often stop running.  This is a particularly good action to take if you are fishing in waters in which your line is likely to get entangled.  Just pay close attention to your drag.  Lever drags are very exact, and sometimes you can just back off a bit when the fish begins to run, if you are using a lever drag.  If you are using a star drag it is not so easy to go back to your previous drag settings.  If you try to let up on your drag, and you feel your fish begin to stop running, just ease up, and try to guide the fish away from the areas in which you are likely to break your line.  Basically it is a good exercise in patience and a lack of patience will often cause you to lose fish.

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