Looping Problem in Fishing line

[JCrzy4Bass]

Hey guys,

Been around for about a year here never had too many problems with fishing line.  I use Berkley Xtra Tough/or Maxx for my jigs and plastics at the moment and I use Berkley Trilene Smooth Casting for my cranks and topwater plugs.  Recently (about 2 weeks ago) I spooled up my Shimano Reels (Sonora 4000 model for my jig and plastic pole, Symetre 2500 Model for my cranks) and went out to cast em'.  At first my jig pole was working out fine, but after the second trip out I realized when I cast (using mostly Jig X Jigs) that loops form in my line if I'm fishing shallow water (doesn't normally happen in deep water situations from the boat).  My crankbait rod and reel has constant loops when I use any top water plugs or any light weight cranks.  I've mainly been fishing ponds.

I don't want to turn this into a heated debate on how much trilene or xtra tough may or may not suck.  I just want to know what normally contributes to this factor that seems to be happening with my line.  My jig pole isn't nearly as bad as my cranking rod and reel.  Any suggestions or ideas of why this happens?  My crankbait reel is starting to bird's nest with the top waters it's getting so bad.  Almost every other cast.  And I watch it reel as I'm bringing it in (normally with my spook plugs) and it doesn't look like it's winding tight at all.  Very loose as a matter of fact.

Any help would be appreciated guys.  I've been leaving my poles in my car but I do that all the time.  Temps do drop below freezing at night, shouldn't really effect anything right?  The ponds I fish are between 30-40 degrees depending on the day currently.  Sometimes half frozen.

[Tokyo Tony]

What lb test line are you using? If it's too heavy for the reels it may be shooting off of the spool, causing the loops, and you may want to downsize the line.

Most likely the loops are being formed as a result of line twist. You could either respool (making sure the line comes off the spool in the same direction it goes on the reel), or let out a bunch of line behind your boat with nothing at all tied on, and troll the line around for a minute or two. That will take out all the twist.

Another possibility is that the loops occur as you close the bail. Make sure you close the bail manually instead of by cranking the handle. This will reduce the loops.

Lastly, if after twitching your lure you reel the line while it's slack, that could cause a loop. But if you get the twist out, this shouldn't be problem.

Edit:

Also, I just noticed that the reel you're not having problems with is a larger size than the one that is giving you problems.

[JCrzy4Bass]

Thanks Tony, I'm gonna try respooling and see what happens.  I think your right about the way I spooled it. The line size is fine because I always make sure I use what's compatible for the reel I'm currently using.  

I think when I spooled the line came off in different directions because I just had it sitting on the ground and not holding it down by the spool, only putting tension on as it looped onto the reel.  I will keep more of an eye on the spool this time and make sure it all comes off in the same direction.  Thanks a lot dude.

[Marty]

I'd definitely respool your 2500 reel. I can't think of why you'd have that problem; I've used similar sized reels and that same line without those problems.

Make sure when you respool that the supply spool is on the floor such that the line comes off counterclockwise. The spool can also be held up and down if the reel has an anti-twist line roller and the instructions say that it's OK to spool that way.

As to the other reel, I don't know that line, but in general, those Extra Tough lines are stiffer than what is normally recommended for spinning reels. Your problem is mitigated by the fact you're using a large (4000) reel.

[Sam]

Be sure not to overfill the reel. This can cause line twist.

After closing the bail with your hand, pull on the line to get it tight and keep it tight as you reel in the slack.

And do you run your line through a silicone or KVD's Lure & Conditioning spray to get it soft and supple? Give it a try. Soak a washcloth making a wet spot and run the line through it when you spool your reel.

As Roadwarrior says, try the Yo-Zuri Hybird Ultra Soft line and see if it makes an improvement.

[Sam]

And P.S....

Tru the old trick the pros use on their baitcasters.

Cast out as far as you can and then take about another 20 to 30 feet of line off the reel and put some Scotch Tape over the remaining line on the spool.

Backlashes will stop at the Scotch Tape.

[HOIST-N-HAWGS]

All very good advice. If your fishing out of a boat I might add removing the lure flip the bail let about 6' of line out on the water and slowly move the boat to allow all the line on the reel out. Then just as you would when spooling the reel pinch the line(not to tight) between thumb and finger while respooling slowly. This has helped me a number of times. Not sure if this one was covered if so my mistake. Soaking the  spool over night in warm water will aid in eliminating twist.

[JCrzy4Bass]

Thanks for all the advice guys.  I'm probably gonna head the advice of Marty and maybe buy some of that stuff you were talking bout' Sam.  Looks like a trip to Dick's is in order.

Yea, I'm downgrading my line to 15lb test instead of 17 too on the jigging pole.  It supports up to 14 so I don't think I'll have a problem.  Anyway, respooling tonight taking everyone's advice.  I appreciate ya'lls info.  Thanks for the help.