General rule of thumb - keep steady tension on the line at all times when you have a fish on.

This includes both giving the fish slack, or pulling too hard. Its easy enough to have fish get off the hook when you execute perfectly, so there's no need to help them out by jerking the line or giving them slack.

Its my opinion, but if I have a fish on a dipsy or jet - just reel it in, even if you think you're fighting the diver too. I have seen too many times where a customer tries to "trip" a diver when they have a fish on, and lose the fish because of the jerk.

Likewise, when spanking a line loose from a tow line on big boards, or unclipping an inline board, you have to be sure not to drop that rod tip and give the fish slack line.

From now on, assuming you remember your net .. pay attention to how often fish can come unhooked in the net.

STEADY TENSION. No pumping and reeling like a bass fisherman either!!!!