Your line and back lashes.

[keithdog]

We all get a nasty back lash on occasion. When that happens it usually leaves the line looking nasty and full of kinks and what have ya. Here is my question. Do you think a bad back lash has a negative effect on the integrity of the line after it's been cleared up, or do you think it looks bad, but otherwise the line is ok? It seems like by the time I'm back on the water, the line is no worse for the wear. But I never feel confident in it again. A minor back lash is no big deal, but a bad one, that's what I am concerned with. I had a nasty back last on my top water rod last weekend, and the line looked awful after I got it cleared up. Would you change that line before going back out?

[mikechell]

That's another reason I've gone to braid on all my reels. I've found that, 1) I can get a braid backlash out easier than any other kind of line. and 2) A backlash kink isn't "permanent" in braid like it is in mono or floro.

Yes, I believe a bad backlash in any mono filament line has degraded the line. If you're fishing for money (tournament), then definitely change the line. Fishing for fun ... judgement call. Change to braid, and you'll never have to worry about it.

[keithdog]

Originally Posted by mikechell

That's another reason I've gone to braid on all my reels. I've found that, 1) I can get a braid backlash out easier than any other kind of line. and 2) A backlash kink isn't "permanent" in braid like it is in mono or floro.

Yes, I believe a bad backlash in any mono filament line has degraded the line. If you're fishing for money (tournament), then definitely change the line. Fishing for fun ... judgement call. Change to braid, and you'll never have to worry about it.

I do use braid on a few reels, but mainly coploy. Flouroclear to be exactl. I think I'll change it.

[Marty]

I do use braid on a few reels, but mainly coploy. Flouroclear to be exactl. I think I'll change it.

I think you're doing the right thing. Why take chances?

[BigBassin144]

Check out the active discussion about whether backlashes affect your line and if you should change it after a serious one or not at http://basschat.yuku.com/topic/226/B...s-and-the-line.

To the remaining members of BF.com, it is appreciated that you don't post your responses here, but rather on the active thread at http://BassChat.yuku.com. Thanks!

[mikechell]

Not all of them, 144.

[bassinbob]

As often as I professionally overun my reels i don't even think about it. Unless it's flouro that is.

[mikechell]

"Professional overrun" ... I had a friend who said he was "counting his line" every time he needed to strip out a backlash.

[Thornback]

I too use #40 braded line. I get my share of backlashes but I have always been able to quickly pick them out (knock on wood) and continue fishing. Never had a line break or knot (Palomar) come untied. I have had a mudfish or pickerel cut my line

[ROBZILLA]

If i were tournament fishing I'd put the rod away and change the line later on. I think the back yard fishing once and a while would be ok, pending what type of line... Braided no problems! Mono or florocarbon I'd think twice, cause the 2 kink bad and will be weaker than braided line. And we all know what floro, and mono is like casting when its kinky!

[ROBZILLA]

Great video!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TDI5kwR5zjc

[nobass]

be like me don't backlash yea right. i will replace mind if i am in doubt of it breaking . i only keep about \75 feet of freash line on . never saw the need for more. so respooling isn't a big deal for me. saves a lot of money. i only throw mono and braid. so only one i worry about is mono

[mikechell]

Originally Posted by ROBZILLA

Great video!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TDI5kwR5zjc

Yes indeed. This trick works well. I've used it a few times before I went to braid. Rarely need it after.
I also recommend a method to reduce the amount of backlash. As soon as you have new line on your reel, set it up with the heaviest lure you'll use. Make the longest cast you can, then place a piece of tape across the remaining line. If you get a backlash, it will only loosen up to the tape, no farther.

[bassboogieman]

I have found that backing line on a reel saves lot of expensive line. I do similar to what Mike said above except I spool a reel with cheap mono, tie on a weight at the max rating for the rod and make a cast - hopefully on a breezy day with the wind my back - as far as I can. After it lands, I pull off another 8 - 10 yards and cut it off. I then put a wrap of electrical tape over the mono and connect the mono to whatever line I intend to use. This method greatly reduces the chances of backlashing a baitcaster and if you do it won't go too deep, in addition to saving money on line and time when it comes time to respool.

[keithdog]

I think I've tried Kevin's trick a hundred times and never once has it worked for me. But I still try it when a back lash happens.

[Rebbasser]

If it is a really bad one I usually end up having to do surgery and respool so no worries there. A minor one I really don't worry about it.