Flipping bail manually

[bass slayer 17]

I have just started flipping my bail over manually on my spinning reel and  I  think it makes a huge difference to line twist problems and also better presentations...  Is there anyone else who thinks the same thing???

[Wildbillb]

I concur.  

It is also nicer on the reel.

[billbrum]

It definitely cuts down on line twist.

[avid]

It definitely cuts down on line twist.

No doubt about it.

[NewScreenNameAdvised]

Absolutely.  I just started doing that about 3 years ago and boy what a difference.  now I get all anal when I let a friend borrow  arod/reel with good line on it and see them using the handle to engage the reel.

[Muddy]

It does help to keep that first loop from forming, after a while it becomes second nature, you will not even think about it

[Sam]

ALWAYS FLIP YOUR SPINNING REEL BAIL WITH YOUR HAND.

It will extend the life of the reel.

Then, pull on the line to tighten it before you start to reel it in.

Run line through your fingers to feel for nicks and to try to remove any line twist and to keep line tight. Do this for a few turns of the handle.

You will always get line twist with a spinning reel.  It is just the amount of line twist and how long it will take to curl your line that matters.

Be sure to treat the line with KVD Lure and Line Conditioner when spooling your spinning reels.  

[LAO162]

I started flipping the bail manually last year.  I seldom have twist issues now.  Maybe 10% of the time I flip the bail by cranking.

[TrailerHook]

I have always closed my bail manually. I believe it prolongs the life of the reel because it is much easier on the reel to close it gently by hand than to allow it to snap closed on its own. Plus, it gives you an opportunity to tug on the line to make sure it is positioned properly on the bail wire before you begin your retrieve. This will cut down on line twist and tangles dramatically.

[TrailerHook]

Be sure to treat the line with KVD Lure and Line Conditioner when spooling your spinning reels.

x2 on that, Sam.  I'm a big believer in KVD's line conditioner after using it so far this year.  It makes a big difference in taming line twist and tangles on spinning reels.  I spray some on a shop towel and run the line through it as I'm spooling it on my reels.  Then, when I'm fishing I will re-apply a couple times a day as needed.  Makes a big difference.

[Grey Wolf]

I have just started flipping my bail over manually on my spinning reel and I think it makes a huge difference to line twist problems and also better presentations... Is there anyone else who thinks the same thing???

YES.

[Big Tom]

I have always closed the bail manually.  It just always seemed like it would be better for your reel anyway.  It's a nice habit.

[sdcoll]

huh go figure i didnt even think that there was any other way to use it.........

[djmax22]

I used to close by reeling until I heard Ike mention on TV to always close the reel manually.

[Ultraman]

i have a question for the kvd spray, do u just spray it on the spool itself or do u run the line through a cloth with kvd spray applied to it?

and if both work, which method is better?

thanks

[Texas_Bass_Man]

i have a question for the kvd spray, do u just spray it on the spool itself or do u run the line through a cloth with kvd spray applied to it?

and if both work, which method is better?

thanks

I have used both, and feel like both work.  However, I think applying the KVD conditioner while you spool the reel while running it through a cloth gives a more even application.

[bass slayer 17]

does his line conditioner really make a difference and is it better than other brands

[Rob Faddis]

Much, in most oppinions here.

[adclem]

Nice info, will have to try it out this evening.

Thanks,

[thefishingone]

:-? I never heard of this. I'm going to start trying it.

[Muddy]

WOW AND I THOUGHT THIS WAS A FAMILY FRIENDLY SITE

To think all this talk about guys flippin thier bails manually  

[Ultraman]

ya mean slaying the one eyed trouser snake?

[The Rooster]

I've cranked bails closed for 12 years now, and recently read where Ike said not to so now I'm trying to make myself learn not to.  I'm finding out I like it better so far.  Haven't noticed yet whether it makes a difference in line twist but I did find out that by having my hand on the bail waiting to snap it closed I can feather a cast letting the line flow against my palm while the lure is still in the air.  Works really well for slowing the bait down and entering the water with less splash.  

After a few fishing trips where I closed it manually I'm starting to form a habit of pulling the line to put it where it belongs on the line roller so I guess I'm doing what I should be doing.  Got two new Pflueger spinning reels this spring also so I want to keep them in tip top shape.  I had an Abu Garcia Cardinal for a number of years and after a while the bail got so it would not close when cranked shut anymore.  I must have worn off the striking point under the rotor for it to close by cranking it down.  So given that experience and what I've read about it now, I'll never crank them shut again.  

[guitarkid]

I do because with my cardinal I had too, got in the habit and now I do it with my Medalist. It is almost a force of habit.

                        -searoach

[eddieinva]

Agreed..  Have had spinning reels for a while now, and i've started with manual flipping.. and stuck with it..  I have a Spheros ..about 5-1/2 yrs old now.. and it's as good as new..  NEVER had a problem with my line.. Actually, I had to manually flip it because the Spheros bad a bad design to the bail itself..