Stop Pumping the Rod

Stop Pumping the Rod: Why Steady Reeling Lands More Striped Bass

If you’ve ever posted a fishing video online, you already know:

People on the internet have Opinions — with a capital “O.”

Case in point…

I recently shared a clip of a customer hooked up on a nice striped bass while live-lining.

In the video, you can hear me coaching him:

“Don’t pump — just reel!”

Pretty harmless, right?

Just your average onboard instruction.

Well…apparently that was enough to ignite World War III in the comments section.

Suddenly everyone became a seasoned Striped Bass captain.

I had people lecturing me about “proper technique,”

telling me pumping is necessary,

claiming steady reeling is “wrong,”

and my personal favorite:

“You don’t know what you’re talking about.”

So rather than argue with strangers online (never worth it),

I figured I’d do what actually helps

explain the why behind steady pressure when fighting striped bass on live bait.

Because here’s the truth

You know the scene.

You hand someone a live bunker rod, the tip buries, the reel screams…and suddenly they go full National Geographic, pumping the rod like they’re hooked into a 600-lb tuna off Cape Cod.

Meanwhile, it’s just a 25–35” striper politely trying to go the other way.

And I’m yelling don’t pump the rod…. Don’t pump! Just reel!”

So let’s break down why keeping steady pressure is the move when live-lining for striped bass—and why pumping the rod is one of the fastest ways to lose fish, especially now that circle hooks are required.

How Pumping Started (And Why It Doesn’t Belong Here

The whole pump-and-reel thing comes from big-game fishing.

Think yellowfin, bigeye, marlin fish that can fight for an hour or more, and where pumping is used to lift giant fish vertically through the water column.

Striped bass?

Not that situation.

Modern gear braid, smooth drags, lighter rods means you don’t need to pump to gain line.

So when someone starts pumping on a striper, it’s like watching a guy use a snowplow to clear a sandbox.

Circle Hooks Change the Game

By regulation, when targeting striped bass with bait, we have to use circle hooks.

These things are designed to:

• Slide into the corner of the jaw

• Lock under steady pressure

They do not work well when tension drops.

When you pump the rod, the upward lift is fine…

but the drop is where things get risky and most inexperienced anglers give it way more slack then they should.

That moment of slack can:

• Let the hook shift

• Pull it out of the corner

• Give the fish a chance to shake loose

Circle hooks perform best with smooth, constant pressure.

No pumping needed.

No pumping wanted.

Slack Is the Enemy

Even the smallest bit of slack can be the difference between a photo-op and a ghost story.

Pumping the rod creates micro-slack EVERY time you drop the rod tip.

The fish uses that moment to:

• Spit the hook

• Shake

• Turn away

• Create a bigger hole that eventually tears

A steady reel keeps pressure constant…which keeps fish pinned.

You’re Actually Making the Fight Longer

Pumping is more dramatic.

It’s also more exhausting—mostly for you, not the fish.

Each pump = wasted effort.

Think of steady reeling like walking a dog.

Pumping is like sprinting, stopping, sprinting, stopping.

You’re not moving things along faster.

You’re just tiring yourself out—and giving the fish more chances to escape.

Steady pressure moves the fish toward you efficiently.

The Last 20 Feet: Where Fish Are Won or Lost

Ask any captain where most striped bass come off.

They’ll tell you:

Right next to the boat.

That’s when the fish freaks out, headshakes, rolls, and makes a last run.

If you’re pumping here, every drop in that rod tip is an open door for the hook to come out.

Smooth reel + loaded rod = net

Pumping + slack = heartbreak

Simple math.

Catch-and-Release: Why Steady Reeling Is Better for the Fish

Most stripers go back in the water.

If we want strong fisheries, we need to keep those releases healthy.

Pumping is rough on fish.

Why?

More tearing

Jerky pressure can rip a bigger hole in the jaw.

More trauma = tougher release.

Longer fight = exhausted fish

A fish that fights longer burns more energy and is more vulnerable after release.

Shorter fight = healthier release.

Hook shift risk

Slack can let the hook slide deeper before re-setting. Nobody wants that.

Chaos at the boat

A fish that comes in “hot” thrashes more, tangles, hits the hull, needs more handling.

A steady-reeled fish arrives calmer.

Unhook.

Photo.

Release.

Done.

So…What Should You Actually Do?

Engage the reel

1. Keep the rod loaded

2. Reel smooth and steady

3. Let the drag do its job

That’s it.

It’s almost boring.

But it works.

(And your success rate will prove it.)

Why People Still Pump

Honestly?

Habit.

They saw someone do it.

They fought tuna once.

They think it looks “pro.”

They think it applies more power.

But when it comes to striped bass on live bait + circle hooks, it’s the opposite.

It reduces your power and increases your risk of losing fish.

Final Thoughts

At the end of the day, this isn’t about winning arguments on social media.

It’s about helping anglers land more fish, treat them responsibly, and understand why certain techniques work better than others.

Circle hooks + steady pressure = more fish to the net and healthier releases.

That’s the whole formula.

And I’m not saying this because I read it somewhere.

I’m saying it because I’ve lived it.

I have over three decades of experience targeting striped bass.

It’s one of my favorite species on the planet, and trust me I’ve learned this all from my own mistakes.

My only goal is to pass those lessons along so the next angler can hook up, stay tight, and send that fish off strong.

Now get out there, keep steady pressure, and go find your next personal best