Do I have a "reel problem"?

[Cove]

Two evenings in a row I had equipment problems in the middle of the all-too-brief evening flurry for walleyes on Mille Lacs. Uugh! I need a fix but do not know if problem lies with the reel or the line (or the fisherman).

We have all had this happen once in a while: The line slips under the spool on spinning reel and starts to wrap around the spindle holding the spool. Very quickly gets so fouled up that a scissors is the best solution. If I could always keep tension on the line that no doubt would solve the problem. But it seems to me that one particular UL spinning reel has this happen more than others. It is a discontinued Cabelas Tournament ZX. Four pound test Vanish, on the spool four years.

So, should I re-spool with fresh line and trust it will not let me down next time or retire the reel?

[RebelSS]

If I'm reading you right, I occasionally had this problem with a certain brand line on very light lures. Problem arises, IMO, from 1. Too much line on spool; 2. Line with too much "memory", coils "falling back" cause problem, and as you said, too little tension on line.I'd try another brand of line with less "memory", and only fill your spool 3/4 to 4/5 of the capacity. Good luck!!

[CAMAN]

I think you already know the problem... "four year" old line. Old line retains a lot of memory, and the moment you get any slack in the line it bounces right back to its memory position and gets caught where it shouldn't. Also I'd bet the line has some twist.

Change the line first.

[Deitz Dittrich]

check to be sure how many spacers are under the spool, maybe there are too many.. you could try removing them.. AFTER you REPLACE THE LINE!

[blackdog1101]

Yes, replace the line, but also don't over-fill the spool. If the spool is over filled and there is no tension on the line, the line can slip off the spool and tangle in the reel.

[delmuts]

+ 1

".I'd try another brand of line with less "memory", and only fill your spool 3/4 to 4/5 of the capacity. Good luck!! "

+ What DD said!

[Ole #1]

Don't reel line without tension. If there isn't any tension, the line won't wrap around the spool.

[Deep]

I have had this problem with mine too with new line, now I flip the bail back closed manualy and check it. Mine are brand new St Croix rods and reels.

[slipperybob]

I'd say it's a "reel problem". It's happens to some of cheap reels, but not the pricey ones. If it's a "fisherman problem", well that's becuase I didn't check the line lay to make sure that it wasn't fouled up.

[efgh]

Vanish line when it is cold has a lot of memory, try xl tryleine or some other limper line.

[FishSystem]

I think you already know the problem... "four year" old line. Old line retains a lot of memory, and the moment you get any slack in the line it bounces right back to its memory position and gets caught where it shouldn't. Also I'd bet the line has some twist.

Change the line first.

Yep. I thought it too "old line" before I finished reading the orginal post. I change it every year. I use 4 lb for jigging as well, on a Ultr light reel and a super light "noodle" rod. Change it every time you prep for winter. same with all my rods. Summer too.

[Deitz Dittrich]

Fishing line should never celebrate its first birthday!!!

(Unless its a super braid)...

[chief]

Deitz makes two good points: (as do others)

1. Change to fresh line. Lines take on memory over time, especially on small diameter spools. Vanish is fine for many techniques, but it has never been noted for it's suppleness--especially in cold temps. Try a supple mono, or an ice mono.

2. It's very easy to lose the small washer/spacers on spinning reel shafts. Losing one or more of these adversely affects the winding of line onto the spool. These small washers, usually made of metal--but occasionally of cork or felt--often stick to spools as they're removed from reels. Then they disappear. When this happens, line bunches up at spool tops or bottoms and can slip down and under spools.

[Deitz Dittrich]

[Cove]

I really appreciate the Forum input. I am going to follow the various suggestions. One thing about line memory: If you have it sitting on one of those little filler spools of line it is developing memory there as well, no? Seems like the sider the diameter of the line spool the better, which means buying more but then, I guess I should buy more and change it more often :-)

[Deitz Dittrich]

True to an extent. The spool is a much larger loop, and when you change it to the smaller loop it relearns the new loop over time.. so hence the more use ect, keeps it from getting too bad. there are sprays and such that also can keep this more manageable.

[delmuts]

Only thing i'll add. If you start out with mono that doesn't coil,( it's relaxed) but after you been fishing a while, then it does. Many lures can cause twists in your line. This can also add to your problem.

[FishSystem]

Twist in your line is AWFUL!! You ever see your jig on a camera and it is spinning? Fish don't like it and you shouldn't either. After I spool up new line, I go out in the yard and have someone pull the line end until I unspool all the line I had just put on. Then they lay it down and I just reel it back in slowly adding a little tension with the fingers so I don't reel it in too loose. REALLY helps eliminate twist on the new line.

[harvey lee]

Fishing line should never celebrate its first birthday!!!

(Unless its a super braid)...

Agree 100%, I will change the line on a reel even if I did not use it. New line every season.

I cannot remember what rods were used when so it is just easier to replace the line on all of them. Except the braid.

[Cove]

Thanks once again for further comments. I endeavor to reline and make sure I have twists out. I can reline while watching a video or visiting or something. It is not the cost so much as the time that prevents me doing it, I guess.