Something that's really difficult for a lot of people when they get a fish close to the boat, is actually landing the fish. Especially if you don't have a landing net and you're on your own.

A common mistake anglers make is leaving the butt of their rod in their stomach or hip and trying to pull the fish towards them. What's going to happen is your rod will bend back on itself.

If you keep doing this you will eventually snap your rod.

What you should do instead is lift the rod horizontally once the fish's head is out of the water. That way you maintain a gentle arc on your rod. Then turn sideways and pull the leader towards you.

This is a much better way of landing a fish and will avoid snapping your rod!

Meet Justin Duggan
Sydney Fly Fishing Tours Daiwa Pro Angler

Justin Duggan is a professional guide who specialises in Lure and Fly fishing with his business Sydney Flyfishing Tours. Justin has travelled the world fishing and is a leading angling educator and speaker with tens of thousands of hours fishing and teaching time under his belt. Justin is comfortable with all styles of fishing but is especially fond of chasing any species using lures and flies.