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Avoiding Line Twist

posted on 25 July 2008 | posted in News

Avoiding Line Twist Avoiding Line Twist and
How to Load Reels Correctly

The Problem of Line Twist

Line twist is when your main line has been twisted so that it then coils around itself and eventually tangles.

Line twist is a common problem for any angler using a fixed spool reel. It is something that has a tendancy to occur for all angler to a greater or lesser degree and can cause huge problems as the line can then tangle around the rod tip, guides or around the reel itself. Line twist can also cause a line to spiral up on itself when it is cast out which can spook fish when you want your line to be laying unobtrusively on the bottom. It consequently also can affect your contact with the bait and fish.


What Causes Line Twist


Many anglers often have difficulty casting with accuracy or significant distance and may also have problems with line kinking and twisting. Usually the real reason is not clear and blame it on the line itself, when iin fact it is other factors that influnce the line which cause the problem.

Incorrect Loading

One of the most important things to be aware of is the correct way to spool new line onto your reel. It is vitally important to follow the correct procedure for loading your reels. The solution to correct loading depends on what kind of reel your filling.

Twist Generated Though Reeling In.

A fixed spool reel has a tendancy to twist the line as it turns it through 90 degrees as you wind in.

Wind and drift


While sometime wind and drift can contribute to the problem, they are not significant factors but they can make twist more noticable.

Twist generated though general use.

In use thereseveal factors that can cause any line to twist and careful attention should be paid to avoiding these problems. Particualr causes are fishing with lures that spin line on retrieve and swivels that are not functioning correctly. The simple process of playing a fish for a considerable length of time can cause line twist

Line twist is almost impossible to avaiod completely but with a few steps it can be contained so it does not affect your angling performance or enjoyment.


Loading Fixed Spool Reels

Line should be loaded on to a fixed spool reel in the same way it comes off the spool. On virtually all reels the bail arm rotates in an anti clockwise direction when viewed from behind when you are holding the rod. The line should spiral off the spool as you pull up in an anti clockwise direction.
Ultima lines are made and spooled so that any chance of line twist is eliminated proving the reel is loaded correctly.

To load your reel

Place the supply spool on the floor or any flat surface so that it is static and dooes not turn but the line can come off the side of the spool.

The line should come off in an anticlockwise direction. All Ultima spools are round on at least one side. Square ftonted spools should be positioned so that the round side is facing the reel. If the spool os round on bith sides turn the spool so that the line is coming off in an anti- clockwise direction.

Then thread line through the rod guides, and then hold the rod tip three to four feet above the feed spool. Make 15 to 20 turns on the reel handle then stop. Now check for line twist by reducing the tension on the line. Always apply light pressure to the line when spooling any reel. Do this by holding the line between your thumb and forefinger with your free hand.

Continue filling the reel to within 2 - 3mm of the lip of the reel spool. If you under fill, you'll lose distance and control on your casts. If you overfill, the line may come off the reel in a tangle. If your spool is too deep for the line you have to fill it properly, use a backing line to bring the level of the line up to the lip op the spool.

Loading Multipliers

Line twist on multiplier reels is far less of a problem than on fixed spool reels. However it is still important to load your reels correctly. Line on multipliers equipment is relatively simple. loaded by winding it to the top of the reel spool. To prevent line twist when transferring line from the supply spool to the reel, take line from the top of the supply spool and load it to the top of the reel spool. To do this, simply slip a pencil through the centre of the supply spool and have a friend hold it or make a peg that fixes to a kitchen worktop or the like. Keep the supply spool in a vertical position, aimed at the reel. Keep tension on the line as it's reeled on, so the reel is filled evenly without loops or loose coils.


Correct Reel Filling Levels

With all reels, fill the spool about 1/8th" (2.5mm) from the rim. Less line will make casting very difficult. More line will cause the line to backlash or jump off the spool in loose coils.

Correctly filled reels will ensure smooth long trouble free casting as the line automatically takes itself off the spool in one smooth process.

If the line you have does not fill your reel to the correct level this is easily remedied by using a backing line first which allows the main line fill the reel correctly


Removing Twist

If your line is twisted, you can untwist it by dragging it in the water behind a boat or stretching it out several times on the bank and winding it in again (without a lure or weight on it so it can turn as it is reeled in. In a few minutes the line will return to its original condition.
There are also some finned attachements that you can tie to the end of the line and cast out. When reeled back in the fins untwist the line and make it usable again.

A simple test for line twist is to hold your rod with about 5 -6 feet lof line habging straight down from the tip tied to a lead or lure that has noticable markings. The degree of twist in the line will be reflected by how many times the weight revoles.

One other problem with freshly spooled line is that it can tend to "fluff" or push outward on the reel spool. This is because the diameter of the supply spool is usually greater than that of the reel spool. The nylon line has taken a "set" on the factory spool and it tries to return to the same size spirals when it is on your reel. Ultima lines have a low memory and this is usually not a significant problem. One or two casts out and wind in will normally remove any problem in this area

Change your line

Fishing with old line is a costly mistake. After continual use, abuse and exposure to the elements, line can become weak and thereby unreliable. The best, and least expensive, insurance against broken lines and lost matches is learning how to change line properly, and doing it often.

Great Tips from Ultima U.K


 
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