It happens. And it hurts. Sometimes there's nothing you can do but most of the time it's an equipment failure or a tactical mistake. All you can do afterward is learn from what happened and do your best to never let it happen again.

My worst one was a ~16lber that I hooked on a jig in February about 4 years ago. Had it right to the boat but didn't have a net with me. The fish went nuts at the side of the boat and spit the jig. I dumped my rod and reached in up to my armpits to grab her. I had her on both sides of her body but she slipped out of my grip. I doubt I'll ever get another chance at a jig fish that big and it sucks thinking about it. If you value your sanity, don't go fishing in a boat without a net.