I saw him dive about 20' from me and didn't feel like bothering to wind up. The bait was hooked through his mouth and out his upper lip. It actually managed to stay in tack after the first two plucks. I picked up the rod out of holder, and on the 3rd strike managed to hook him. Over all, I am pretty satisfied with my knot testing. I buttoned down drag at full strike and thumbed it repeatedly while being towed sideways before it finally broke. He broke surface and went airborne repeatedly in the process. He won't bother a kayaker for a few days, I guarantee it.