I'm new to the game, so my apologies for the beginner's inquiry.

Went out for the first time yesterday (for small trout) and, despite some sloppy casting a few tangles and plenty of other beginner's mistakes on my part, managed to get a few strikes. Problem was, the current was pretty swift, so whenever the fish hit, there was way too much slack in my line to tighten and set.

Can anyone offer any tips?
Thanks in advance.