Beginners or inexperienced anglers have problems with the fishing line. Taking a few steps on how to avoid fishing line problems will help. Anglers lacking experience make a few common mistakes putting the line on the reel. Sometimes it is the line itself. I will explain the common issues and how to correct the problems.
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The first step is choosing the right line. The various types of lines perform better in certain situations. Braided line has no stretch, fluorocarbon has a little, and mono has more stretch. The abrasion characteristics are different with each line. Consider all the characteristics of the line. Then decide which line is best for how you fish.
Choosing the Right Line To Avoid Fishing Line Problems
The line matters to avoid problems. Monofilament and fluorocarbon lines have memory. These lines form coils from being on a spool. The larger the diameter increases the coiling effect. There are methods to reduce the coiling in the line.
Using a braided line will eliminate the coiling but poses a few things to deal with in terms of use. Choose a good quality line. Overcoming problems with a cheap line is difficult.
The correct amount and diameter need to be placed on a reel. Line too heavy leads to looping. Having too much and the line springs off the spool. Having too little line affects casting.
This applies to all types of lines and reels. The line and reel size need to match. This is why the diameter is important. If you need more strength braided line is the better choice.
Monofilament And Fluorocarbon Line
These lines will have memory and you need to contend with the looping it causes. Placing the line in warm water helps loosen the coils. As a result, memory is reduced for a short time. This makes spooling new line on the reel easier.
Baitcast reels are simple. Set the filler spool with the line coming off the top. This allows the line to spool without looping. Spinning reels are a different matter.
Once the line is warm, it must be spooled to reduce twist. The twisted line will loop excessively ruining a fishing outing.
Some anglers take the line off the bottom of the spool. While others look at clockwise or counterclockwise rotation. A few leave the line in a bucket of warm water. The latter method lets the filler spool move freely avoiding twisting sometimes.
In either method, watch for line twist. It causes problems. In some instances, the filler spool needs flipping around to avoid twisting. Plus tension needs applying while spooling. A loose line on a reel is a problem also. The loose line creates backlash or springing of the line, depending on the reel type.
Braided Line
Anglers choosing a braided line likely have an easier time. Properly spooled braided lines will not cause problems. Avoid cheap braid since the line will get fuzzy from breaking down. The fibers and coating on the outside create a fuzzy texture.
Using braid the reel must have a braid-ready spool or the spool needs mono backing put on first. Some anglers use tape. The backing is 20 yards of mono to prevent the braid from slipping on the spool. Using any strength is okay but the same diameter makes the knots easier.
The double uni-knot is best for tying the two lines together. Using a little more backing lessens the amount of braid needed. A 300-yard spool will do 2 reels if a little more backing is used. Anglers do this technique with baitcasting reels primarily.
When spooling a braided line, the tension is a key factor. The line needs to be tight on the spool to prevent backlashes and digging in. A loose line will be a disaster. If the line digs in cutting is usually required to remove the line.
Tips to Avoid Fishing Line Problems
The following are tips that prevent the majority of problems. Look at this as a checklist when filling a reel with line.
- Use an arbor knot to tie the line to the spool.
- Use a quality line to reduce problems.
- Using mono backing prevents braid from slipping on the spool.
- Learn the right knot for the line.
- Do not over or under fill the spool.
- Baitcast reels take the line off the top of the filler spool.
- Spinning reels take the line off the bottom of the filler spool.
Learn to tie knots. There are a few knots every angler needs to know. The Palomar, Uni-knot, cinch, and loop knot cover the majority of applications. Learn each knot and what line it is used for the best performance. The loop knot is for certain lures. A few lures lose action with a knot tied tight to the line tie.
An example is a jerk bait, a loop knot allows the lures to have the desired action. Knots that are tight on the line tie cause less action or an out of tune aspect to jerk baits.
Waterproof Knot Tying Chart at Bass Pro
Bass Pro carries most brands of line. This link will take you to the fishing line selection. Where and how an angler fish determines the best line.
Line Tension
The most overlooked issue causing line problems is line tension. If you are spooling line at home invest in a tension tool. Using your fingers does not work. You will have better casting and fewer problems. The tools cost about the same as a spool of a good line.
Summary
An arbor knot secures the line to the spool and is easy to tie. Better lines have fewer problems so avoid the bargain-priced lines. It is low-quality or too old. Put the line on with tension and in the correct manner to avoid twisting or loops. Backing prevents slipping with braid.
Some lines use a specific knot. Fluorocarbon the Palomar knot is preferred. The knots need to be tied correctly with fluorocarbon. A poorly tied knot will fail. Braid also uses the Palomar or uni-knot. Look at the package since it will specify which knot is recommended.
The right amount of line reduces problems and increases casting distance. Overfilling creates a line springing off on spinning reels. A baitcasting reel will have more backlashes when overfilled. Underfilling either reel causes a loss in casting distance.
John McIntyre