A Couple Issues I've Been Having

[Rick Howard]

I recently purchased my first bait casting setup. I bought it specifically for pitching and flipping. I tried flipping with a spinning rod and reel. It was okay but I instantly knew a casting setup would lend itself to this style of fishing better, at least for me. I am happy with the rod and reel but I'm having two issues.

First, I often get the line caught under the hook keeper. This is extremely frustrating as it prevents my bait from falling straight down. Anyone cut these off?

Two, On occasion the line pinches itself on the spool preventing the line from unspooling freely. Also causes the bait to swing instead of free fall. Not really sure why this happens. Once in awhile I get some backlash but I fix it up and go on fishing. It's almost like the line spools on loosely and wraps over itself. I'm using 40 braided line... Maybe to thin?

It never seems to fail that these things happen when my pitch lands in a prime spot. I'm sure you all know what I'm talking about. You pick apart that piece of cover but there is a spot you know has a fish and your just dying to get at it but your being patient being sure not to miss anything and fishing your way to it.

Thanks for the help

Rick

[Bruce424]

Yea braid has a tendency of digging into its self. Try a thicker braid. I'm pretty close to cutting off the hook keeper. It does get annoying.

[bassinhole]

The line digging in is a common issue with braid. It usually occurs after a hook set or when trying to free a snag. If you don't pull it out your next cast will fall victim of this plight. Some of the better braids have coatings to help prevent this issue, but it still happens occasionally.

As far as the hook keeper goes try to adjust your technique to prevent the line from hitting it. Cutting the keeper may leave a sharp spot on your rod that you will regret one day. It you cannot avoid the keeper after adjusting your technique wrap a piece of electrical tape over the open end. This will allow you to still place a hook in it, but prevent your line from snagging.

[Big C]

Cutting off hook keepers is the best thing you can do on some rods.  When I cut mine off I use side cutters, file it down, and replace it with a Fuji EZ hook keeper.  Those Fuji hook keepers are awesome because you can put them in the exact spot you want it and take it off when you feel like it.

[Rick Howard]

Thank you fellas.

[Bass newb]

Tape over the hook keeper first.

[MickD]

If you do not use the keeper, don't put the hook through the eye of the guide and don't embed it into the grip.  Put it through the frame of the first guide.