Intro:
When you first reach Area 17 and cast your line you will realize that the fish does not bite easily with the Tuff Joint Bait equipped. The instructions are not that clear and you may end up staring at the open waters for quite a while. Basically you will have to not just jig the line but sometimes actually alternate between the W and S key on PC (or whatever you have set the movement keys up and down to).
Location

Go to the area below popup camp 17 where you first fought the Uth Duna. You will notice a vast expanse of water at the northern edge of this location. Find a spot with a school of fish or wander about till you notice the big fish with fins popping out of the water. Cast you line here and alternate between the up and down arrow keys to attract the fish. At first you might attract the smaller fish but eventually the big ones will get attracted towards it.
Method to keep the line tact
Follow the fish’s movements using character movement keys (WSAD for PC). Mostly it will move side to side but sometimes it will jump out of the water at this time you have to follow its movement using all directions its moving towards, up when it jumps out press the movement key in the direction it’s pointing, multiple if necessary and then press the left click on the mouse to restrain it. Slight side to side movements are also required at times.
Obstacles

When a fish hits an obstacle like a rock or cuts your line of sight make sure to press the movement key of the opposite direction.
Method to reel it in
When the fish is finally tired there will be a momentary pause in it’s movements. At this time quickly alternate between the Up and Down movement (W and S for PC) keys. Make sure to follow its movements again once it gets agitated. Keep following this process and you will have caught the whopper in no time.