There are 3 major causes of line twist on spinning and spin cast reels. These two types of reels are by nature more susceptible to line twist than bait cast and fly reels due to the fact the spooled line is perpendicular to the line as it is retrieved.
Monofilament lines all take a set over time adapting to the shape they are stored. Fluorocarbon lines hold less of a set and braid lines being the most flexible take on little if any set. Unless line is initially wound on the reel’s spool with the same coiled direction it was stored on the supply spool, it will begin to twist.
All line types will twist when the crank handle continues to be turned and the line is in some way obstructed from being retrieved. It happens on store shelves when potential buyers pick the reel up and give it a few cranks of the handle. The line twists a full loop with each revolution of the spinner head. The same thing happens when the handle continues to be cranked while the drag is slipping.
The third way line twist can occur, occurs with bait cast and fly reels too. When a bait rolls while being retrieved, it is twisting your line. It is most often seen when retrieving or trolling live baits or artificial lures that have been mis-shaped/damaged. Lures with lots of action are more likely to roll at higher retrieve rates. Best way to see if a bait or lure is running true is let out about 10’ of line and pull it through the water simulating retrieve speed.
Avoid line twist by adjusting your drag setting to the tolerance of your line’s rated strength. Stop cranking as soon as the drag begins slip. Make sure your bait or lure are running true. Use a swivel if necessary. If you notice a build up of loose curls in your line when limp, take preventative action.
Line twist can be removed before it gets too excessive. If you are in a boat or fishing in a current, remove your lure and let out about 30 yards of line. As you retrieve, grasp the line between your thumb and forefinger applying sufficient pressure to straighten the line as it goes on the reel. If fishing still water from shore or at home doing some maintenance, in a grassy area walk off about 30 yards of line and grasp it the same while retrieving. The idea is to allow the loose end to untwist as you retrieve. The little bit of pressure between your thumb and fore finger helps to remove the curls and provides a nominal amount of stretch to reset the line’s natural set. Line will always have a little set showing up as loose curls in the limp line. Twist is occurring when you see the coils start to become tighter.
The reel is malfunctioning when you start to see tight curly q’s in the line. Compare it to pulling a hair between your fingernails. In spin cast reels it is most likely a spinner head issue. Grooves will typically be seen on the spinner head next to the pick-up pin or on the pick-up pin itself. Spinning reels, the culprit is usually a faulty line roller, but sometimes a grove can begin to form in the bail itself.
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