A lot of work goes into tempting a fish to bite your bait or lure and it's heartbreaking if they get away. Sharp hooks, good knots and well-maintained equipment help avoid catastrophes. Good rod technique also prevents fish loss.

Rod angles distribute pressure between fish, line, reel and person. Knowing when to use high, low or power angles comes with experience, but there are a few basics to follow to maintain consistent pressure on fish; slack line costs fish.

A rod angle of 15 to 45-degrees is best for most situations. Rods are designed for maximum leverage power through this range. The higher the rod, the more pressure you apply. However, higher rod angles are not better—rods are designed to bend only so far, any further and you risk snapping them. The lower the rod angle, the less pressure you apply. When the rod is pointing straight down the line, the only pressure being applied is from the reel's drag.

The best method is to use smooth controlled movements as you lift (without winding) from 15 to 45-degrees, and then wind down to 15-degrees, keeping tension on the line. Repeat the process as you work the fish to the landing net.