Fishing isn’t about beating the fish in terms of strength. It’s about exhausting the fish and then making the most of every bit of force.
So you let the fish run, then when it slows you start reeling, then you let it run, then you keep reeling.
Fish, generally, have lots of short term energy, but quickly tire and build up metabolic byproducts in muscle that take time to remove. Humans are much better at a sustained activity and much better at aerobic muscle use.
The fishing rod is like a big spring that absorbs pulls from the fish while keeping up pressure.
Reels have an adjustable pressure at which they will automatically let out line (called “drag”) which allows the fish to swim away for a bit without breaking the line.
While reeling, you pull hard on the rod to bring the fish in close, then gently wind in the slack on the line, minimizing the force applied to the reel and making use of the strong and flexible rod.
It can be 10 minutes or it can be an hour. That’s the fight. Once it’s tired itself out, it’s just like hauling a log out of the water, grab it with a gaff hook and haul it in the boat. You’ll need a hand or two for a monster fish.
The strength of the pole or man isn’t usually a significant factor because the fish isn’t in a straight strength contest with the fisherman.
