Home Forums Fishing Saltwater What is "until it was reeled to the leader"

Just read about the big yellowfin and how nobody touched the line:

"until it was reeled to the leader"

What does that mean?

Thank you

A leader is the term for the setup at the terminus end of your fishing line. Typically a swivel attached to your main line followed by 1 to ten feet of appropriate monofilament, then your hook, lure bait..etc. that would be your "leader". Not sure of your context but for most gamefish to be eligible for record book status, the angler must bring the fish in himself with no assistance from crew. They cannot even touch the rod, reel, anything. So I'm thinking your quote implies the angler had his fish to the boat, was reeled in as far as the leader would permit, and was ready for crew to subdue fish.

yup crew can only touch the leader for it to be considered for record book.

However a Harpoon will insure that the fish gets into the CookBook every time!

A fish is considered caught once the leader is reeled into the top guide on the rod.