Few things ratchet up excitement more than multiple hookups or charging back on a fish with engines roaring and water flying. Unfortunately, these are also the times when a lot of fish are lost. There's a simple way to make sure there are no screw-ups in the heat of battle, and that's communication.
The late Jim Lambert constantly urged the Reel Tight team to talk to each other when under the gun, and it became one of our biggest advantages over other crews.
We communicate and repeat each statement or command. For example, when you're steering the chair, you say, "going left," and the other mate or angler repeats the "going left" so you know he heard you or heard correctly. This becomes even more important during multiple hookups.
On our boat you will hear us saying, not yelling, "going over," "under left" or "taking line." Each phrase is repeated back. This practice can become a lifesaver when on the wire, letting the captain and the rest of the crew know your movements and the fish's intentions. The captain usually has a hard time hearing on the bridge anyway, especially if the person talking is facing away from him, so having another crewman repeat what you're saying lets the captain in on the game.
Eric Leech
Reel Tight
Fort Lauderdale, Florida
