A baitcaster reel is notorious for its tendency to get jammed and produce a backlash while casting. To get to the roots of this nagging inconvenience, you might want to take a look first at how it is built.
Typically, a baitcaster reel comes with a spool, which is firmly attached on top of the reel itself.
Whenever you want to start fishing, simply release the clutch by pressing down the thumb bar on the spool. The spool gradually loosens up, rotates, and lets out the fishing line. This allows you to throw a lure far away from where you are standing.
Sounds easy enough, right? But the problem of baitcaster bird nests arises as soon as the speed of the spool is way more quickly than how fast the lure is actually pulled away. When the spool rotates too rapidly, the fishing line itself cannot keep up.
This leads to a bunch of loose lines around the stool peeling off, but not towards the lure as anglers expect. Instead, they get tangled together and create a mess around the spool.
This is usually referred to as a backlash. In the case of baitcaster reels, it has a specific name: bird nest. Apart from the most common reason for bird nests as stated above, this situation is also possible from various scenarios.
For example, unexpectedly heavy wind can tamper with how the line is handled. This is because the force of your cast cannot outdo the pressure from the wind, causing it to slow down. Another cause for baitcaster backlash is the quality of the fishing line.
When the line is not smooth enough or is wrapped hastily around the spool, peeling it off evenly at a fast speed will be much more difficult.
And of course, for amateur anglers, not being able to control the spool, choosing the wrong type of lure, or casting in unfavorable conditions can all contribute to backlash.
How To Untangle A Baitcaster Birdnest
Getting a birdnest is pretty much unavoidable if you use a baitcasting reel and do not have much experience in the field. Whenever you struggle with a mess of fishing lines, remember to follow the steps below to get rid of it within minutes.
- Step 1: Hold the reel firmly in your hands and slowly pull the fishing line off the spool. You might want to press your thumb on the spool for extra pressure, which helps the line peel off easily.
If the backlash is not too severe, this alone should be enough. But for messier ones, you need to take it to the next level.
- Step 2: Tighten the drag a bit more to ensure the spool is in its top condition. Look for the tag ends. Pull them out using your fingers, essentially removing any obstacle preventing the line from slipping off.
Be careful, as the line can turn out to be sharper than it appears. You do not want to accidentally cut yourself during a fishing trip, do you? Note: Tag ends are loops created by the fishing line, which sit near the running end.
- Step 3: Keep your thumb still on the spool. Roll the handle until all the knots and tangles are released.
- Step 4: Now that you have successfully untangled a backlash, all it takes is a simple unwind, so all the line coats the spool neatly. In some cases, you would need to adjust the drag to its initial settings. Do you have any more problems? No? Great, then let’s get back to fishing!
How To Cast Without Backlash
Casting without backlash calls for an in-depth understanding of how a baitcaster reel works, as well as components that keep the fishing line organized. Below are step-by-step instructions that you might want to try out next time you go angling.
- Step 1: Assemble your angling tools and examine their characteristics. Some fishing lines are easier to get caught in a mess, such as braided ones. For beginners, stick with a monofilament line to avoid unnecessary hassle.
Estimate the length of your rod and pick it on to see whether it works for your height. You can confirm this by putting yourself in a few fishing positions. If you find it awkward or difficult to cast with the current rod, consider using a more length-appropriate one. Even better, you can purchase an anti-backlash baitcaster reel, which is already set up against jamming.
- Step 2: Reach for the dial located on one side of the reel and turn the dial to the desired spot. The lower your brake strength is, the easier it is to cast in long distances with a maximal speed. Make sure you go with a magnetic brake that has been adjusted properly.
- Step 3: Tie a lure at the running end of your fishing line. The release mechanism will be triggered when you press the thumb bar, right next to the spool where you are supposed to rest your fingers.
Test the spool tension by casting a trial. If it is right, the spool will stop the moment your lure touches the ground. If it is incorrect, the spool will keep on rotating even after the cast is over.
- Step 4: Tune the spool tension based on how it works in your test. Release the clutch and engage in free-spooling. At the same time, place your thumb on top of the rotating spool and try to keep it steady.
The added pressure will slow down the rotation and give your lure enough time to be pulled out effectively.
- Step 5: When birds nest seems to take place, use both thumbs if needed to prevent the spool from rotating too fast. You might as well put on a pair of fishing gloves so that the friction does not cause any nicks or cuts on your skin.
- Step 6: When the lure starts approaching the water surface, add even more force to stop the line from peeling off. Now that the lure touches the water and the spool halts simultaneously, you just accomplished a backlash-free cast.
How To Prevent Baitcasting Backlash
- Invest in suitable gears: Assembling a toolkit that suits your level of expertise is the easiest way to limit backlash. Heavy lures tend to peel off the fishing line easier, so you might want to stick to them instead of using light or ultralight lures.
Another thing to take into account is the fishing line. Braided or fluorocarbon lines are more prone to jamming, as opposed to monofilament lines.
Last but not least, longer rods can set you up for failure with their hard-to-use design. Are you a newbie? Let’s opt for something short and controllable.
- Set up the brake system: The brake puts a stop to the otherwise rapid cast. By adjusting the brake at its highest setting, you would be granted more control over how fast the line slips off and how far it stretches out.
- Find a fitting setting for the spool tension knob: The knob dictates how fast your spool can rotate. Try to keep it moderate, as both extremes can easily cause jamming.
However, in different fishing environments, feel free to alter the tension so that it blends in with other external factors.
- Stay away from windy conditions: Casting against the wind is a foolproof way to get a backlash. Rather, tilt your rod in a direction that the wind pressure can actually propel the bait forward.
If you find this technique a bit challenging to master, consider waiting until it dies out before resuming your fishing.
- Practice frequently: Casting without fail is not learned in one day. To minimize the risk of backlash, spend time casting in drylands to hone your skills.
Do not hesitate to experiment with different gears, levels of tension, and brake systems. Find a combination that feels the most natural to you, and use it relentlessly. Without a doubt, your casting ability will substantially increase.
Conclusion
Whether you have spent years perfecting your angling skills or you are new to the sport, getting a baitcaster bird nest is bound to happen from time to time.
While the causes for this trouble can be attributed to various factors, it is worth remembering that the way you handle the reel plays a large role in preventing a backlash. For starters, do not forget to pick the right set of angling items.
Choose something you feel confident enough to control and fine-tune it to your preferences. Check out the brake, and the tension, and evaluate your surrounding areas before getting down to trolling.
When a bird-nest appears, stay calm and pull the disheveled line out until it becomes clear. Then you can get on with the fishing as usual. Rest assured that baitcaster jamming is a frequent issue, so no need to fret over it!
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Born in Lakeland, Florida, Daniel has started fishing since he was just a tiny little kid. His father was a real good fisherman, as he taught Daniel tricks and tips to catch the fish better. From those childhood memories, Daniel has built up his love for fishing. Until now, he has been participating in several bass tournaments and currently serves as the Chief Editor of fishingonsunday.com to share his precious knowledge and experiences with many more people.
