The first time I tried freespooling (line around electric motor shaft) I was amazed that the fish actually stopped dead in it's tracks once the pressure was off.
I'm sure this isn't always the case although was amazing to see the fish stop next to a tree only 3 metres from the boat almost immediately after I took the pressure off.
It's not like the fish was worn out yet, although it had allready used a lot of energy up doing a few tail walks and short runs. As soon as I re-applied pressure after the line was unwrapped (only a few seconds) it took off like a madman again and had enough energy in it yet for several tail-walks. My take on this was that with the pressure off the fish must have thought it was out of imminent danger.
When you do make the call to hit freespool it's heart stopping stuff as it goes again all your (at least all my) instincts!
Steve - can I please watch when you try the open water scenario Make sure you take a spare spool of line to put on after you have to cut all the birds nests out (or tape your thumb up so you don't lose all the skin)
Cheers
Tony