Q When fishing with three rods, what’s the best thing to do if I’m playing a fish on one and one of the others goes off?

A The single most important thing to consider, if you are lucky enough to find yourself in this situation, is fish safety. You’ll need to make a quick judgement call on what to do, based on the physical factors within the swim you’re fishing.

Basically, you have to deal with whichever fish looks like it is going to cause you the more hassle first. If the fish you are playing is precariously close to a snaggy tree line and another rod rattles off in open water, then the open-water rod can be left on the buzzer until you’ve safely landed the fish you’re playing.

This is why having a stable buzzer bar system with butt grips securing the rods in position is so important!

While the rod is on the buzzer (with the volume turned down), it’s wise to keep a semi-tight clutch – loose enough that the rod doesn’t get ripped off the butt rest, but with enough resistance to maintain pressure and ensure that the fish doesn’t take half-a-mile of line, kiting around the lake and wiping other anglers’ rods out in the process.

You could find yourself in the alternative situation, where the fish you are playing is in open water and another rod churns off heading into a set of snags. In this case you would have to put the current rod down and take control of the second.

With the clutches set semi-tight it is easier to monitor each rod for the line directions to avoid crossing lines over and potentially tangling up.

If all else fails, shout for any anglers nearby to come and give you a helping hand!