Article Archive

Twist And Shout

Having lines twists can make you mad enough to shout. Actually, I have shouted on several occasions — just ask some of my fishing partners. Everyone gets twists in their line — including experienced professional fishermen. Anyone using a spinning reel can and will get twists. These twists are usually the result of what we call “line memory”.

Memory is formed in your line when it has been stored on the spool for any length of time or by purchasing a reel with line already on it. The smaller the spool the more times the lines is wrapped around it — creating more memory. If given the choice I always choose the larger spools on my spinning reels so that there is less memory. Picture yourself wrapping several feet of line around a pencil. Then picture wrapping the same line around a baseball. There will be fewer loops (memory) with the larger object. This is because you had to wrap the line around the baseball fewer times.

Line twists can occur in both open-faced spinning reels and closed face reels (such as Zebco’s). The most common cause of twists is putting line on your reel backwards. My Dad and fisherman from his era used to say that when putting line on your reel that you were to lay your spool flat on the ground with the label up. This actually has no bearing on whether or not the line is going to be applied correctly – because the direction the line is placed on the reel varies from manufacturer to manufacturer. A better method is while turning the handle on your reel pretend you are looking down your rod (from the tip to the reel). Determine if line is going on your reel clockwise or counterclockwise. You need to lay your spool down flat so that the line is coming off the spool the same way. In most cases this will be clockwise, but don’t make that assumption. If your line gets put on backwards every time you turn your handle you are creating a new twist in your line.

Another way to get twists in your line is by fishing. If you are reading this article you probably like to fish. Anyone that fishes can get line twists! Even if your line is put on properly many lures can cause your line to have twists in it after a day of fishing.

Here are a few ways that you can remove twists after a day on the water:

1. Cut your lure off and have your partner walk away with your line over a casting distance away. Have them stretch the line tight and then let go. Reel your line in slowly.
2. If by yourself you can cut your lure off and tie your line to a tree, fence, poodle (ha, ha) etc. Back off at least one casting distance and stretch your line hard. Go cut the line loose and reel in slowly.
3. If you are still on the lake you can cut your lure off and feed out your line as you idle down the lake 2 or 3 casting distances. Leave your line out a few more seconds while it drags through the water. You can then start reeling in slowly.

Remember, most closed face reels come with line already applied. The memory in this line needs to be removed prior to fishing. Follow these same above steps to remove this memory.

As you can see there are several ways to get line twists and also several ways to remove them. Whenever possible use a snap swivel on your lures. These are very inexpensive and can be found at any tackle shop with the hooks and sinkers. This will make your line spin freely and reduce the amount of twists you get.

I hope these tips can help you have a more enjoyable day on the water. P.S. I was just kidding about the poodle — a German shepherd works much better. Just kidding again! Good luck with your fishing!