Getting the most out of Big Bass Fishin

I've put a good chunk of hours into Big Bass Fishin now, and most of what I learned early was the hard way. So here's the short version for anyone just starting out.

First: the cast matters less than you think, but the reel matters a lot. When a fish bites, don't just spam the drag. Watch the tension meter. When it's in the red, ease off and let the fish tire itself out, then pull when it goes back to green. Fighting a big bass is a rhythm, not a race.

Second: pay attention to where the fish are. Each water has spots that produce more bites, usually near cover — reeds, sunken logs, that kind of thing. Cast near them, not into open water, and you'll waste far less time waiting.

Third, and this is the part I like most about the game: don't grind. It's a relaxing sim, and it plays best when you treat it that way. Put in a few casts, upgrade your gear when you can afford it, and let the new waters come to you. Rushing kind of misses the point.