why does my line keep snapping when i cast it?

[aku17]

This is my first time using a baitcaster, recently when i cast i get backlashes my line will  get twisted which prevents it from casting. (ill try my best to describe this) then i see that it gets stuck through the line which kind of looks like it got threaded through the line in my spool and when i try to pull it im not able to pull any line out so i have to play with it till it gets free. I also notice that my line will get bent it which makes  a V shape. is the backlash causing my line to snap half way through my cast? any tips how i can prevent this from happening? im using a 15 lb mono.

[Tim Kelly]

The line will snap at that V bend you describe as it's been weakened there. There's a knack to unpicking backlashes, not too much pulling, and if you see the V bend you really need to take the line off up to that point to avoid a breakage in the near future. If you're getting a lot of backlashes, try not filling the spool as much. A half filled spool will backlash less, though it will reduce your distance a bit. Until you get to grips with casting a baitcaster it's as well to not try for long casts, but to do shorter, smoother casts. Also, make sure your mono is fairly new. Old mono becomes more brittle, so is more prone to snapping.

[MDBowHunter]

If your getting backlashes every cast you have an issue with either the spool tension, the braking or both. Try turning the brakes or magnets up and increase the spool tension. If you stand up with the rod sticking straight out from shoulder height with the lure you'll be tossing tied on, now release the spool. When the lure hits the ground if the spool turns more then two turns after the lure stops the spool tension needs to be increased. Once you get that set try turning the brakes about 3/4 of the way and try casting. As you get more comfy with it Turn the brakes down a little at a time until you get the hang of it. As stated earlier don't be concerned about distance at first, that will come in time. Also once you get a backlash are you pulling of enough line to make sure you have the backlash completely out, because if not that's where your problem lies. Hope this helps

[scaleface]

A quick way to undo most backlashes , so you dont have to pick at it .Put pressure on the spool with your thumb and turn the handle two or three times ,  then just pull the line out .

[Fishes in trees]

Your line is snapping because you've stressed it when you've backlashed.   If you're coming from a spinning reel back ground, understand that you can't make a snap cast with a bait caster like you can with a spinning reel.   It is a different muscle memory than you've used for spinning.   Best answer is to practice until you learn it.  Learning it takes a while.

[Darren.]

Good answers above, I'll just welcome you
to the forums seeing this is your fist post!

[cottny27]

Grab some KVD L & L and it will help a bunch.  

[Fisher-O-men]

Find a buddy that is experienced with bait casters and have him show you the ropes.  Tough to explain on paper. (or screen)

[Bass Turd]

Pull out or cast out a casts worth of line plus a little more. Get some masking or electrical tape that is thinner than the spool width and tape around the remaining line on the spool. This will keep back lashes from happening deep in the spool. Then when you can cast to the tape reliably move the tape deeper. This is how I learned. 

[snake95]

8 hours ago, aku17 said:

any tips how i can prevent this from happening? im using a 15 lb mono.

Many great tips already about preventing backlashes, which are the root cause of your line breakage.  I am only about a year into baitcasting myself.  From the perspective of a relative newbie, I would say that once I've gotten "pretty good" at casting, the primary cause of backlashes is not adjusting the brakes and/or tension knob to suit the lure I just tied on.  It sounds like a dumb mistake since changing settings is the first thing you learn.

But for me, this has become more of an issue as I get better at casting, because I start to get confident that I will intuitively adjust arm motion, thumbing, etc as appropriate for the lure weight.  The problem comes when I cross that line into overconfidence, and the settings aren't right. My understanding is that some guys can cast heavy baits with zero braking or tension just by thumb control alone, but for most mortals, brakes help!  After snapping off a couple of prized lures, I have tried to get in the habit of pausing for just a second, check the brake or tension settings, then make the cast, after every lure change.

Might not apply to you, but something you might want to consider.

[S. Sass]

Videos some times help as you can see as the person explains what to do. I suggest doing a search on YouTube for how to cast baitcaster I would watch quite a few different ones from different people, you will get a much better picture of how to info.  When you get where your pretty sure you know what the proper way to cast is practice practice practice. Then if you still find your having issues with backlashes do the same search on YouTube for how to clear backlash there are some really good tips out there.  

[Ratherbfishing]

Is it possible that when you pick out the backlash, you haven't gotten it all out?  A sudden, jarring stop will definitely snap your line.

[new2BC4bass]

8 hours ago, Darren. said:

Good answers above, I'll just welcome you
to the forums seeing this is your fist post!

X2 

[MickD]

Make sure you don't have two things going on, one the casting technique and backlashes, and second, a damaged guide or tiptop ring.  Check them with a Q-tip-if the fuzz on the Q-tip snags, you have cracked ring that will cut your line.

[crypt]

another tip is to slow down when casting ,my son had same problem when learning to cast he was trying to throw it to the moon. now he can cast as good as anyone.practice practice practice……

[Oklahoma Mike]

The first thing you need to do is get the reel properly set up. I believe Glen has a very good video for this in the videos section of this site. 

Stick with some relatively inexpensive mono, like Trilene Big Game in 15lb until you get comfortable with using a baitcaster. You're going to eat up some line until you get the hang of it - no sense in having to strip off $30 line every outing. 

[geo g]

Lots of good advice, Like others stated watch the videos on reel set up, spooling line on reels, check all your guides for any problems, and ease up on the casting distance.  Make nice easy smooth casts until you get the hang of it.

[Sam]

aku17, we have discussed how to eliminate or reduce baitcaster backlashes many times on the Forum and everyone has their own ideas.

Here are some pointers you need to master to avoid backlashes. In fact, once you set up your baitcasting rig you will never have another backlash.

1.  Read rod's parameters stamped on the blank and make sure the line test and bait weight is within the parameters. Also make sure the reel can handle the line test you are using. May I suggest a 12-pound flouro or mono to get started? You can adjust the line test higher or lower depending on your bait and fishing conditions. Old pros and goats like me like to throw mono for its stretch when throwing treble hook baits. Younger guys like the flouro, as do many of the pros. Each has their pros and cons so it boils down to personal preference.

2.  Spool line on reel, leaving about an 1/8th inch of open space from the top of the spool.  If the line does not go onto the reel evenly and piles up on one side or the other, tighten the line guide with a screwdriver.

3.  Dump or heavily spray KVD Lure and Line Conditioner on the line as you spool it onto the reel, tightly. Do this throughout the spooling process and when you have completed the task. Best to allow the conditioner soak the line for a few hours or days before using it, if possible.

4.  Open the side of the reel and find the "magnets." Balance the magnets in an "X" position for starters. You have the option of turning on as many magnets as you wish. The magnets help slow down the spool's speed.

5.  Add your bait and take the setup outside. Point tip of rod to 11 o'clock with the bait at the rod's tip and using the drag and spool tension knob release the line with your thumb on the line on the spool. Your goal is to have the bait drop s-l-o-w-l-y to the ground (not carpet) so the spool will stop when the bait hits the grass. You do this procedure EVERY TIME YOU CHANGE YOUR BAITCASTER BAITS WHILE FISHING.

6.  Cast the bait as far as you can and then remove two arm-lengths of line from the reel.

7.  Now here is the trick the pros have used: Using Scotch tape or electrical tape, cover the remaining line on the baitcaster with the tape, going from left to right. Don't over-do it and try to keep tape off the side of the spool.

8.  Reel in your bait and you are ready to hit the water.

You have accomplished two important things when doing the above: 1) you have learned how to balance your baitcaster with your line, bait, rod and reel and 2) you have stopped any backlash at the tape on the spool.

Once you get the feel for balancing your baitcasting rig you can cast and the spool will stop when the bait hits the water. This is a lot of fun when you throw buzzbaits or Chatterbaits. And you don't have to use your thumb to stop the spool from spinning.

As for your line, do what the guys have penned above plus this trick: always run the line between your thumbnail and forefinger to check for any nicks, scrapes, scratches, dents, bends, etc. IF YOU FEEL ANYTHING THAT IS NOT "NORMAL" TO THE LINE, CUT IT OUT AND RETIE. Yes, you will go through a lot of line but you will not lose any fish due to damaged line.

And remember to retie your bait after every two to three fish. Your knot can also be damaged and  you will never know it until that big lady pops it apart.

Give the above a shot and let us know if it helps you reduce or eliminate your backlashing problem. Let us know.

[smalljaw67]

You got great advice, the only thing I will add is what I saw when teaching my grandson to use a casting reel. The first couple times I noticed he tried to cast with the same motion as he did with the spinning rod, that will not work. If you overhand cast, use only your forearm, do not use your shoulder or your wrist, most people end up snapping their wrist and the added acceleration is what causes the backlash. You want the rod to move in a steady forward motion, like a quick whip like motion people tend to do with spinning rods. Good luck and remember, keep practicing.