Once a fish locks onto the fly, it's just a matter of keeping a steady retrieve to get the fish to eat. When it does, it's the best 15 seconds this side of the continent. Bagley refers to the initial burst of speed and acrobatic displays you can expect to encounter when a hooked tarpon decides to leave town. For the first 15 seconds or so, most anglers are just trying to keep their rod from being ripped from their hands. As the fish gathers line and burns energy, it will slow, and the fight will turn toward applying pressure, bowing to leaping fish and keeping the line tight.
Every fish is different.
While some fish will come in quickly, others will dog it out and fight until the very last bit of strength is sapped from their body. Once boatside, Bagley quickly removes the hook, revives the fish and sends it on its way. Then it's off to find another pod of fish to get a fly in front of.