Hangups, Fishing Rod Messes, and More!

We go over step by step how to prevent making a mess of your fishing line, preventative steps, and even how to fix the problem that's already happened.

Fishing line breakage? Hanging up? What is that?

If you have ever wrapped your line and lure around a tree limb, known the frustration of having to break or cut your line, lose your lucky lure (The expensive one), and of course waste all your time retying. Then join the crowd. We have the same frustration and would like to share some of our tips for spending more time fishing and less time tying.

Mess at the end of your fishing rod?

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Fishing Rod Bird Nest

Another good cause of the fishing line mess would be that the anti-reverse on your rod is off. The anti-reverse system on some reels allows your line to come out of the reel without any resistance whatsoever. In some circumstances this can be useful but if you find you are having a hard time make sure this is off.

I already have a fishing line bird nest, how do I fix it?

As we talk about the rod tip birds nest more we get into the issue of fixing it. When you see a small loop at the end of your rod or a small bunch of line your first instinct is to shake it a bit and hope that it falls loose. BAD! Most of the time this will cause the knot to become tight, or the mess to become bigger. Lower your rod tip and fix it by hand as soon as you see it. It will save you some headache later.

A good way to start fixing it is to find where the line ends from your fishing reel and fishing lure are. Normally working from the lure, then back through the loops in your line will fix your problem fast. If you have a knot in your line or it is knotted around your rod tightly you will probably need to cut the fishing line. Start by cutting the lure off, then work your way around to the line coming from your reel. Cut it as well. If you have a knife and will not damage your rod with it you can cut the knot from your reel then retie. My preferred method is the edge of a lighter flame while pulling on the line. The heat weakens monofilament enough to pull free but not enough to damage your fishing rod.

The mess seems to be at my fishing reel, what caused it and how can I prevent it?>

Sometimes when using a closed face or open faced spinning reel you can really make a mess of things. About 99% of the time this is due to cheap line or line that came on the reel. The convenience of buying a rod/reel combo from a department store is great but the line is almost always horrible. The monofilament that came with it is probably low grade and has >a high memory. Memory of line is where it "remembers" the last knot, kink, twist, or position it was in and tries to keep it. Another good example of line memory is when it tries to stay as a spiral when leaving your reel. This will not only cause more friction when casting due to the twist (Causing you to cast shorter distances) but it may also cause your line to come loose from your reel.

Here are a few good tips if the problem persists:

• Switch to a braided line, these have some of the lowest memory.
• Invest in a more expensive line or brand; some of them even state they are low memory.
• Do not overload your reel spool; sometimes this can cause the line to eject itself in between casts.
• Make sure the anti-reverse is off on your reel.
• Keep your reel in good condition. Out of sand/dirt and keep the gears greased properly.

I've casted over a tree limb; it's dangling there mocking me.

No matter how much fishing time you have under your belt, how much practice, or how much skill you will always cast over that one branch over the sweet spot. The instant you notice your lure flying over it you may think to jerk the rod. BAD! (Notice the pattern?). This instinct will normally cause the momentum of your flying lure to wrap around that lone branch 5 or more times. If you have already done this hope that it is a small dead limb or you don't mind a swim. If not and it is just dangling your in good shape!

Start the process by pointing your rod directly at the lure. Slowly reel up all of the slack until your line is taunt but do not reel the lure up to the branch. Begin raising your rod tip and lowering it making your lure slightly swing, continue doing this until it gets a slight bit of momentum. When the lure is swinging towards you give a slight jerk on the line (call four around yourself if you don't know your own strength). If done properly the momentum of the swinging and your slight jerk (We don't mean your fishing partner) will cause the lure to hop up and over the branch plopping easily in the water. Notice that the lure probably landed in the spot you were aiming for but with less splash. Most fish see this as very appetizing and it's what we like to call a "Natural Presentation" (Or good excuse for a bad cast).

What happens if I try this stuff and none of it works?

If you have tried this stuff and failed miserably then continue trying. Even some of the tips here can take practice to get better.

And if you continue trying and continue failing just do what we do. Blame the wind and a fishing site (But not us shhhh).