Backlash Fixing Tactics

[throwback]

Trying to learn to cast a baitcaster. I toss about 10, conservative (yet backlash-free casts) and I try to rip one and I get a backlash. Happens a lot. I saw a video of a guy getting the backlash out of his baitcasting reel by putting his thumb on the line and cranking, then pulling the line until it stops, then cranking with the thumb down again and pulling it out. He makes it look easy. I tried it and it didn't work as well for me. I'm determined to get these backlashes out without cutting out new line to do it. I'm open to any and all techniques that don't require line surgery. I'm gonna practice the thumb/crank trick some more too.

[dulouz]

I find it helps to make sure the drag is tight when using the thumb trick. It may take a few times to get it out. Sometimes I have to use my nail to put more pressure on the knot. Other times the tangle is too close to the spool edge for me to get my thumb on it. Then I start pulling out any loose loops, and if it gets really bad I get my croche hook.

[OHIO]

What type of line are you using? If it's braid, you shouldn't need the thumb trick.

If it's mono or flouro (I recommend you don't learn to cast with these), the thumb trick should work pretty well.

I find that applying a lot of pressure helps, but it still may take awhile for it come loose.

[Hamby]

Put some braid on. It's super easy to clear a backlash. All you do is pinch the line where it's caught and pull it straight out a few times until it's free. Really simple. It also won't get damaged. I spooled up some new fluoro early this year and made a few casts in the yard. Got a backlash trying to make some tight pitches. Now i'm pretty sure there's a kink in the line that's going to break the first time i get to the cottage to fish.

[clayton86]

I use the pick on my nail clippers to pick out backlashes I tried the thumb trick never really got it. Another tip I heard and did a few times was make a really far cast as far as u can pull out a few arms lengths and put some clear tape on the line left on the spool. Then just wind it back up tape disapears and it saves your line from backlashing really deep or what I call jumping.

[jdw174]

I think you answered your own question when you said you try to "rip" one and get the backlash. I've found over the years that the harder I try to throw, the better the chance of backlash. I can cast just as far (with the brakes and spool tension properly set) with a nice easy swing. Also, there is no substitute for an educated thumb

[Sam]

After "balancing" the rod, reel, bait weight and line test go outside and cast as far as you can.

Take two armlengths of line off the spool.

Put Scotch tape or electrical tape over the remaining line on the spool.

The tape will stop the backlashes from going any deeper.

You can also take no or one armlengths of line off the spool. Your option.

Just place the tape over the line and you are ready to roll. You may want to use two or three sections of tape.

Just a suggestion.

P.S. Balance the rod and reel and you will not have any more backlashes. If you do not know how to balance your reel PM me and I will share it with you.

[throwback]

Thanks everybody. Good tips all. I may have line that is too light as well. It is 10 lb Trilene XL. Never heard about the braided line being better. I believe I've got to stop trying to really rip one out there and stick to smooth, more controlled casts. I'm not sure what part of the backlash to pick at with a hook.

[bman310]

Thanks everybody. Good tips all. I may have line that is too light as well. It is 10 lb Trilene XL. Never heard about the braided line being better. I believe I've got to stop trying to really rip one out there and stick to smooth, more controlled casts. I'm not sure what part of the backlash to pick at with a hook.

I don't think your line is too light. I use to have 10 lb XXX on my Revo S and now I have 8 lb Yo Zuri Hybrid on my Revo STX . Never had any casting issues.

I think you have received some great advice. Sam's advice in regards to using tape will really help you out. I've never done had to do that, but I've heard it really helps.

Also, do what I did when I was new to baitcasters....Go out very early in the morning and just keep casting and reeling in. Don't go out to catch fish. Just keep casting and trying out different lures.

Brian

[basser89]

Here's a technique that's worked great for me and since I've started using this technique I'd say I've only had to cut a birdsnest out MAYBE 3-4 times.

What I do when I get a birdsnest, the first thing I do is tighten the line tension some so the spool isn't free. Now engage the thumb bar and then grab the line where it comes on the spool. What I want to do now is pull the line off the spool so its coming up off the back end of the spool instead of the top (if that makes sense). Go slow, and when the main line come up on a loop, carefully use your second hand to slowly pull the loop off the line. Do this until the birdsnest is completely gone.

I've had cases where I was fishing from shore and got too close to a tree or something and wasn't paying attention with my thumb and the spool looked like nothing but a billion loops and thought the only thing to do was break out the knife and just start cutting and re-spooling when I got home, usually within only a couple minutes (depending on how severe the nest is) I can work it out without kinking the line creating any weak spots. Hope this makes sense and helps. Good luck!

[throwback]

Good stuff all. I live on a several-acre pond, so I can beat the water a lot with practice. I really want to master the baitcaster.

[Punkinseedfyretailz]

Pull about80 or 90 feet oout by hand and then slap a piece of electric tape on your line and reel it back in now it Can only backlash to thAt point

Ps the thumb tricks works

[Mike L]

I tried about a 1" piece eletrical tape and it just won't stick on the 20 lb Invisix floro I use on my pitching reel.

Do you wrap it around the entire spool?

I tried masking tape also, and that worked ok, but it finnaly came off after 3 backlashes and when it did it left some of the glue on the line!!

Thought's

Mike

[NBR]

For the most part those new to bait casters will need to cut the line off after some backlashes It also happens to everyone regardless of their spot on the learning curve. Tighten the drag as tight as you can. Put your thumb on the line on the spool as tight as you can and crank a bit. This works a lot of times but not always. When it doesn't work it become pick and pull and when pick and pull doesn't work then snip and cut are the solutions. Unless you don't mind cutting up expensive braid I'd suggest a less costly line.

[Mike L]

Thanks NBR

I've done that and you're right, sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn't.

Thats why I like the tape trick. That Invisx is too d**n expensive to keep cutting.

Mike

[Punkinseedfyretailz]

For the most part those new to bait casters will need to cut the line off after some backlashes It also happens to everyone regardless of their spot on the learning curve. Tighten the drag as tight as you can. Put your thumb on the line on the spool as tight as you can and crank a bit. This works a lot of times but not always. When it doesn't work it become pick and pull and when pick and pull doesn't work then snip and cut are the solutions. Unless you don't mind cutting up expensive braid I'd suggest a less costly line.

Yes yes it does good trick

[breezy]

The "thumb trick" really does work well for clearing out backlashes IMO. I had never seen it until someone posted a youtube link a while ago. At the time I thought "How is that supposed to help any??" and of course I had to try it on my next professional overrun.

I was surprised to find out it works very well. The trick is you need to have your drag tightened down so you can apply a lot of pressure with your thumb and still rotate the spool. Sometimes it does take several tries to get past a knot, and you may run into several knots, but I've yet to have a backlash it hasn't taken care of. Beats trying to pick the line out any day.