PREVENTING SPINNING REEL PROBLEMS

Many anglers who have used spinning reels will not go back to using them regularly once they master the baitcasting reel. This is due to the spinning reel problems of loops and line twist. However, spinning gear is necessary in todays light tackle situation with small baits or use of finesse techniques. So we hope to offer some proven ways to minimize the spinning reel problems of loops and answer recent emails to our website (www.larrysfishinghole.com) about these problems.
Most of these problems happen when you make long cast with light baits causing the line to not straighten out at the end of the cast when it has a bow in it. This means the line does not get pulled tight below the level of the spool and a loop is formed on the spool as you start reeling in line. If you are focused on fishing and making your next cast, you do not see this loop and eventually will have to unwind the line or put this rod down.
First thing is to make sure the loop does not happen, close the bail manually and not by reeling. Next, tug on the line to snug it against the spool and now you can start reeling since this will prevent a loop from forming. Closing the bail manually does two things: 1- it serves as a reminder for you to tug on the line since your hand is there and 2- it keeps you from reeling the loop onto the spool. The worse thing you can do is to keep casting. We have found if you remove the spool and pulling off line from the backside till the loop comes out is the best way to prevent more twisting or other problems.
Line twist is another culprit that causes loops. Line twist comes from using in-line type spinners, some soft plastic baits and a misaligned bait that spins. Using a swivel and proper rigging will eliminate line twist and thus stop looping.
Line twist can be removed while on the water by removing your bait and just let out line as you pull it through the water slow, which will straighten your line as you reel back in. I know you may have heard this before, but it really works.
Also line twisting can happen by improper spooling on new line. When spooling on new line, lay spool flat on table and check for line twist after about six turns of the handle. This twist will normally wrap around the rod tip. If this occurs, stop and turn the new spool over and continue while checking again. Just remember it is important to check for twist early to make sure you are spooling correctly.
Other pointers on spooling line are to not overfill the spool by keeping it down about 1/8th- inch and use recommended line weights. By this I mean do not spool 10 or 12 pound line on an ultra-light spinning reel or you will get coiling.
One other thing to do is keep your reels clean and give them a light oiling at least once a season.
Try these tips and you will have less down time due to spinning reel hassles.
PRODUCT: Our field test of the New Mitchell 300X reel finds it much lighter but not the reel the old ones were. I have several original Mitchell Reels including the original 300 Reel that I have used for about 35 years. This new 300X has some play in it, the handle does not stay tight and the bail is hard to close with a turn of the handle. In fact, the pin sheared in the handle causing it to spin. However, when I contacted Pure Fishing they quickly sent a replacement handle. All in all, it seems to fish OK, I just guess I am still an Old Mitchell Reel guy.
And for a Spinning Rod, we tested the Guide Series Pro Select Graphite Rod from Gander Mountain. It is constructed of IM8 Graphite and has New Concept Fuji Guides making for a real sensitive and very smooth casting rod. The Med-Light and Medium are great rods and we would recommend you see the guys in the Fishing Dept. at the Peoria, IL Gander Mountain Store or the new Big Gander Mountain Store in Geneva, IL for their help in selecting the right rod for your fishing.

Till Next Time BYE & GOOD FISHING