Angling should probably be called “Tangling”. Whether you are “Tangling” with a big fish or a huge Bird nest, things can go wrong in a hurry.
There is not just one thing that makes you a better Angler. There are many reasons why you catch a fish. Good casting, matching the hatch, right lure, bait, place, time, and attitude are just a few.
There is not just one thing that will ruin your day when fishing. A massive tangle can easily become a Massive Cluster F#%K in moments but there are warnings and preventions that will help prevent these.
Look for the loops Deal with a loop ASAP! They usually form just after the cast. Make a visual inspection before the retrieve. A quick management will prevent the small loop from becoming a Cluster.
You get what you pay for the New Line. Cheapo line can vary in diameter and strength. Your 10-pound test may be 15 -6 pounds on a good day. As it ages, that will weaken. You should change/ recycle your monofilament annually. Keeping the line exposed to the sun will destroy the line. When it becomes brittle, tangles will become more common.
Line Treatments Older lines can be sprayed with a line treatment. This helps soften the line and remove memory loops that will cause tangles.
Check the guides Rod guides are often overlooked. Over time, they will wear, and a groove may form from the line. Usually these form in the tip top and stripper/first largest guides. Smooth them out or replace them. You can check for guide damage using a Q-tip. If cotton gets caught in a guide groove, so will your line. brazed line will tangle more easily.
Proper casting A good cast will allow the line to flow easily and smoothly. Hurky Jerky casts will form loops and tangles.
Drag adjustments A drag that is too tight will weaken and coil your line. You want the line to give when the fish tugs. Most anglers tighten their drags too much. For a fly reel, you should be able to pull the line off the reel with just your lips. A spinning reel drag should give at around the pound test that you are using.
Quality Reels Good reels are made with good parts. Strong springs will snap the bail shut quickly and prevent loops. Reels with extended spools, that are properly sized, also allow the line to coil correctly. A Decent drag, that is adjusted correctly will also keep the line from overstretching and forming loops.
Accurate casting Placing your bait, fly, or lure in the right spot will prevent snags and hang ups. A proper drift, without snags will be the result.
Use your finger When reeling in line, use your trigger finger to touch the recoiling line. This helps to keep loops from forming. It is most important just after a cast when you are quickly reeling in your slack line.
Remove memory loops Lightly used reels will develop memory loops. The pattern of coils will be seen on the first cast. You can stretch the coils away by tugging on your line or using your other hand to stretch out the memory. The line should be straight and smooth.
Swivels Swivels will prevent the line from spinning. Some lures, like spinners, are already turning due to the spinning blade and motion in the current. Without a swivel, the line will coil and tangle. Tiny swivels are available and easily pass through the guides. I use a quality swivel to transition from my colored line to Florocarbon tippets.
Untangle skills/ Safety Pin If the worst happens, minimize the foul language and grab a safety pin. This will help to pick a tangle apart. If a knot forms, the line is done. Break it start over.
If you practice and observe these Cluster F#%K preventions, you will spend more time fishing. The more time you spend untangling, getting snagged, and playing with your gear, the less time you are fishing.
Tangles usually give you a warning. The small loop can become a big loop. Fix it fast, when the tangle is small otherwise, you will have a bigger problem. If it takes you longer than 2 minutes to deal with a tangle, break the line and start over.
Fish happy and have FUN!
Montana Grant
