stopping dropshot twisted line?

[NJfishinGuy]

how do you get the line to stop twisting when using a dropshot? it sucks after like 20 casts its gets all loopy and tangled. i thought of using a swivel but seems like it might hurt the action

[Guest avid]

Among it's other virtues braided line is G's gift to spinning reels.

A 10 - 15 lb test braid is so fine and limp that it does not twist.

you can quite simply forget about your line twist issues with fine braid.

Of course you have to learn to tie a mono or flouro leader but that will only add to knowledge and enjoyment.

Many of us like the double uni.

I prefer a modified albright.

there are other choices as well.

try it.  It really does work.  

[T-rig]

Use a swivel.

[foul hooked]

I use a swivel about 8" above the hook. I have not noticed it effecting the action of the bait.

Just make sure your drag is not too tight.

[bassnleo]

When I notice line twist I take the bait off and cast the rig out and reel it back, 2 times, that usually removes most of the twist.

[Crestliner2008]

I use a small, "quality" crane-type swivel, size #12 or #14, about 2' above the hook on my DS rigs. This has worked out very well me over the years. My main line is 6# test Fluoro and the actual DS leader is 4# test Fluoro.  Line twist occurs when you retrieve your rig off the bottom, as the nose hooked plastics have a tendency to rotate around the main line on the way up. The swivel will prevent most of this from occuring. I've been drop shotting now for about 3 full seasons and have not experienced any major line problems with this set-up. But it also helps if you have a "quality" spinning reel (i.e.: Shimano Symetre 1500 FI is the one I use); one with a "twist buster" type device engineered into the basic design. Some folks will tell you that the swivel between your main line and the actual DS leader will dampen the bait's action and reduce it's effectiveness. Don't believe it! My result refute this theory entirely. Good luck!  

[bassmaster8100]

Ive always used a swivel with mine and never have had any problem with it twisting, I have alot of success dropshotting so Im gonna say it doesnt hurt the action

[islandbass]

I don't use a swivel above the ds rig. That adds to the potential for things to go wrong for the careless.

I do use weights with the built in swivels.

You probably already know that even the best swivels aren't perfect and the absolute best twist eliminator is the angler.

Here are some things I do, some of which you probably already know:

1) Close the bail manually but MORE IMPORTANTLY, make sure you start your retrieve with no slack in the line. All you have to do is move yourself, your rod and reel, or both you and the rod and reel to either side just enough to ensure there is some tension on the line.

2) After every 5 casts or so, allow the line and DS rig to "rest" a little. By this, I mean to hold it out of the water. If there is any twist in the line, you will be able to see line oscillate back and forth for a few seconds. It only takes a few seconds but it will save you minutes working out a twisted mess or worse yet, cutting it off and retying.

These are the things I do and I can proudly say that I do not experience major line twist problems at all. No nested thrruupppp through the guides or loops in the spool. This is not to brag about me, but to let you know that it really works.

I don't use braid for drop shotting but I might be tempted some day. Seaguar Invizx at 6# test has been too good a thing that I have no desire to try any other line for drop shotting.

Last thing; some reels are better at managing line twist than others. The reels I have used without issue are:

2500 Shimano Symetre

20 Rapala 6Sxi

101a Abu Garcia Cardinal

I have a cheap 1500 Daiwa Sweepfire (daughter's reel) and I see the twist build up and need to be more attentive with this reel. Still it isn't a bad reel, especially for $9.99!

[Garnet]

Look up Redwing Tackle they are steelhead specialist they have a super small swival that will eliminate all line twist.

When you are fishing deeper water getting the bait up and down is important.

Garnet

[Crestliner2008]

If you are drop shotting, I would not recommend "casting", period! Will create more problems for you, with respect to twisting. Drop shotting was/is meant to be a vertical presentation technique. It is not used to "cover" water with. Other presentations can do that. Find bait and/or fish and drop shot them....straight down. Maybe that's why you are having twisting problems? Keep it straight up & down and move with your trolling motor or anchor, keeping your line below you at all times.

[islandbass]

Crestliner,

You make a very interesting point about vertical vs. horizontal. I would agree with you that vertically presented, the chance of line twist should be minimal.

However, I am shorebound and don't fish from the boat and as a result, I am forced to present the drop shot technique horizontally.  And the stuff I wrote in my previous posts were things I do to minimize the twist, the result of fishing the DS horizontally.

I guess the solution then for me would be to get a boat! ;D

[lubina]

Among it's other virtues braided line is G's gift to spinning reels.

A 10 - 15 lb test braid is so fine and limp that it does not twist.

 

I use the same.....for DS I add a fluoro leader.

[SneakySnook]

Among it's other virtues braided line is G's gift to spinning reels.

A 10 - 15 lb test braid is so fine and limp that it does not twist.

I use the same.....for DS I add a fluoro leader.

I agree with this also.

[skeeterman24]

I had the same problem and starting using a swivel last year.  I haven't noticed any difference in # of fish so i would say it doesn't matter.  I also use a swivel with a tube.

[Joel W]

This summer I've spent the vast amount of my time drop shotting over any other presentation.  I usually pitch my DS rig past the point that I want to fish, then as I bring the rod up to twitch it, the rig moves right where I want it. I use a small swivel about 18 inches above my hook and tie off to my main line (#6 or #8 Sufix Elite) with a improved clinch knot.   I also have 6 premade rigs made up with swivels ready to go just in case I need them, but without any wts attached.

Line Twists come from the fact that the your plastic bait is off centered from the line and will rotate (twist) as it is retrieved even if you bring it up vertically.  Unless you use braid (which I've tried and removed) you're going to get some twist issues through out the day. Manually closing your bail will greatly reduce the bird nest issues, but won't do a thing for the twisted line.

When and if I get line twist issues that I need to deal with on the water, I just cut off my rig at the swivel then row to my next spot while letting the line out. I usually let out a min of 1/2 the spool, then rewind the spool and the twists are gone.  I've tried Reel Magic but it didn't seem to decrease the twisting issues.

[bassnleo]

If you are drop shotting, I would not recommend "casting", period! Will create more problems for you, with respect to twisting. Drop shotting was/is meant to be a vertical presentation technique. It is not used to "cover" water with. Other presentations can do that. Find bait and/or fish and drop shot them....straight down. Maybe that's why you are having twisting problems? Keep it straight up & down and move with your trolling motor or anchor, keeping your line below you at all times.

That does not solve the issue of the line twisting when you reel the bait back up. IMHO that's where most of the twist comes from, the bait will spiral upward when reeling it in causing twist in the line.