Every fisherman understands the importance of a straight fishing line. And if you have a loose line, it’s curly and twisted due to slack.
And many times, fishermen wonder “why is there so much slack in my fishing line?”
A twisted line can be a big mess as it makes it difficult to cast with or retrieve. Let’s understand the top reasons that lead to such a problem.
Table of Contents
Why is there so Much Slack in my Fishing Line?
There is more than one reason for a fishing line to get slack, curvy, or twisted. Here’re some of the common reasons for this problem.
Not attached properly
One of the primary reasons for slack in a fishing line is not attaching it properly. And, this usually happens when you do it yourself.
Fishing shops have modern machines to attach those lines to the reel properly. But when you are not using that machine, here’s how you could have done it wrong.
All the fishing lines come with a memory which means they retain the spool’s shape as they come in one. It should go on the reel’s spool the same way it came out from the original one.
Keep in mind that the label of the spool should face upwards. This lets you be sure that you are loading the line the right way and hence prevent slack and tangles.
Old-line
Another reason why your line could go curly and loose is that it’s very old. Some fishing lines absorb more water than others, causing them to loosen, curl, and lose tightness.
If you keep on using the same fishing line for a long time without replacing it, it’s likely to get slacked someday.
Thus, stop asking “why is there so much slack in my fishing line?” and replace your fishing line if it’s old enough.
High memory Line
Every line has a memory which means it retains the shape it has been in. So, if your line has been on the spool for a long, it would retain that circular and curly shape.
And when you put a line with high memory on the fishing reel, it will show slacking issues during casting.
A solution to this problem is finding a fishing line type that comes with less memory so that it goes straight faster on the reel.
The common type of line known for a high memory is the monofilament one. It’s more likely to retain the spool shape and you get a curly and loose line when casting.
Heavy line with a light lure
During casting, if your lure is very light as compared to the line weight, the lure will not have sufficient momentum and weight to maintain the fishing line tight.
So, when you use a very light lure with a heavy line, it will not create the minimum force required to prevent slacking. That’s why some lure weights can be used with specific fishing lines and weights only.
A lighter lure causes the line to come off the reel quicker than how the lure’s flying speed. The easy (and probably the only) solution is to get a heavy lure for the line.
Alternatively, you can also go for a lighter fishing line if that’s okay with you.
Drag is very low
Setting the wrong drag can also cause your fishing line to slack with curls. The drag prevents the fish from pulling the line out of the spool.
A sure fix for this problem is setting the drag right. Since slack is caused by a lower drag, increasing the value can help.
And, if you aren’t sure it’s the drag causing the line to lose its tightness, increase the value to see if it helps otherwise reverse to the previous point.
Spinners and other lures
Some lures can also cause the line to twist. For example, using a jig or a spinner on the fishing line twist it when you reel it back, particularly in special situations.
Well, the twist isn’t the actual problem here. But if you don’t resolve it and the line has memory, a slack is not far.
Changing the lure or the fishing technique can help untwist a line that a spinner twisted. Be sure not to use a light spinner as it can cause the line to go loose quickly.
However, you need to keep an eye during retrieval to see if it’s twisted because you can’t see the spinner itself that’s underwater. And that makes it pretty difficult.
Casting in the current or wind
This reason is quite simple to understand. It’s difficult to travel against the current of the air or water.
So, when you try casting against the wind or water current, the lure and line will face resistance. This will, in turn, cause the line to slack and go loose in the air.
The problem increases when you use a lighter combination of lures and lines for fishing.
However, the solution is as simple as it is to understand the problem. All you need to do is change your direction and go with the flow.
Thus, casting with the wind or the water current will keep the line tight enough for a good fishing experience.
Conclusion – Why is there so Much Slack in my Fishing Line?
When a fishing line slacks, it goes loose or twists in the air. And this happens when you are not fishing right.
It could be due to improper attachment, using the wrong line, drag, or lure, or casting in the wrong direction.
So, check for these issues the next time you wonder “Why is there so Much Slack in my Fishing Line?”
FAQs
How do you remove slack from the fishing line?
Using the right lure, line, and drag combination is the key to preventing slack from the fishing line.
Besides, you should also check for the wind and water current direction, line’s age and memory, and attachment technique to remove the slack.
Why is my fishing line loose on my reel?
The main reason for your fishing line going loose on the reel is the lack of space it needs on the reel. So, you need a reel that can handle the line you have.
How do I keep my fishing line tight?
Make the fishing line pass through the guides towards the reel while keeping the bail open make a tight tie with the spool. Pass the line twice when using a regular overhand square knot.
