I use 6 and 8lb line more than i do the heavier stuff these days for some reason and i always have my hand on the line when the fish is close to the boat. I have more control of the fish and am able to keep my drag a bit tighter to have more control in close quarters. With the smaller gap hooks you mainly use with light line, many times the fish is just skin hooked and the less pressure when he makes that final run at the boat the better (in my opinion). I do it on almost every fish on light tackle in fresh and saltwater. I feel i loose less fish at the boat from pulled hooks or snapped gear. You give the fish that extra cushion and dont risk a break from frayed line. Drag is eqauly important, as is rod selection, but you will always see me with my left hand on that line at the boat 100% of the time. Especially when she has the mouth the size of a watermelon and a little 1/0 hook hanging there.

JUNKIE

i am with you Junkie... you fish it enough, and you will learn to do this to keep from losing fish

Ha call me wrong or whatever, last thing I want to hear is the drag slipping. Very rare do I get broke or pull the hook out cause of a fish pulling. Not saying never though.

Same as others have said. He can pull the line more smoothly and less abruptly than a big fish suddenly surging. He can also make sure his drag is set where he wants it and that it is operating smoothly. He only does this with the spinning reel,I think.

Makes sense. Thanks fellas.