Shane Goodner is a professional fishing guide specializing in rainbow trout on beautiful Lake Catherine in Hot Springs, Arkansas. To book a trip with Shane, visit Catch 'em All Guide Service — you're guaranteed a catch or you next trip is free.
Correcting Spinning Reel Backlashes by Shane Goodner of Catch 'em all Guide Service The use of open-faced spinning reels is widespread today amongst anglers, both professional and amateur. These reels are some of the most versatile of all fishing equipment on the market and allow anglers to cast light, medium or heavy lines with removable spools that are easily changed. This quick change system enables fishermen to move quickly from bait to bait and have more time in the water with less rods in the boat.
A common problem with spinning reels occurs when too much line has been added to the spool. When opening the bail to cast, an overfilled spool will release line everywhere causing a mess. To correct this - only fill the spool to within 1/4 inch from the inside of the spool lip. This will prevent backlashing and allow you to cast effectively.
Another more difficult situation happens when fishermen encounter tangles on the spool. These are referred to as "bird nests." Excess line will continue to leave the spool after your cast is complete, and when a fishermen closes the bail by turning the handle, a loop of line is created and reeled over. The next cast will catch this loop and the result will be a huge tangle of line pulling off the spool. Closing the bail with your hand instead of the reel handle will eliminate the loop and a quick downward glance will ensure that the line is tracking correctly.
The big step in correcting the bird nest is to NEVER open the bail and try to pull out the tangle. This will just make the problem worse. The key is to loosen the drag up until you can easily pull line out of the reel and then continue to pull until you get to the tangle. The tangle will slowly pull itself straight as it comes out of the roller eye, then you are back in business. Re-tighten your drag and resume fishing.
There are few things more troublesome than line malfunctions so try this system and spend more time fishing and less time being angry.
Good fishing,
Shane Goodner
