is it better to hook into and lose a great fish?
or to never hook into it at all?

before answering, think about it. fishing stories are great and you get to know that there are monster fish in there when you lose the fish, but then there is also the huge feeling of loss and anger at yourself for youre mistake that lost the fish and the frustration of losing the fish of a lifetime.

just a philosophical question from a 15 year old fly fisher...