Why do I sometimes get globs of line coming off the spool of my spinning reel when I cast? I've noticed that this happens more o

[outdoorlife-editor]

Why do I sometimes get globs of line coming off the spool of my spinning reel when I cast? I've noticed that this happens more on hard casts. --J.S., Richmond, VA

[outdoorlife-editor]

This can happen for a variety of reasons: old line, poor-quality line, overfilling the spool and not paying attention to how the line is spooling on your retrieve.

You must make certain there is no slack in your line as you begin cranking. Once your bail is closed, lift your rod tip if you see slack. Alternatively, pinch the line ahead of the line roller with your fingers, then crank until slack is eliminated. Harder, stiffer lines like fluorocarbons cause more problems. Some reels, such as certain Shimano models, come with extra washers that cause the line to wind more forward on the spool, which helps with stiffer lines. --Jerry Gibbs, Fishing Editor

[rickwv]

Sometimes caused by to heavy a line size for the reel.

[wilson]

Its called wiplash it usally happens when you put too much line on or youve got bad or heavy line.

[Ramsker]

it's called backlash and that only happens on baitcasters. the OL editors got it right (shocker huh)

[Ghost]

As stated above there could be many reasons. One hint that works for me is: close the bail on a spinning reel by hand,not by turning the reel handle. When you use the reel handle to close the bail a loop some times forms on the spool and gets buried into the spool. After a few casts, the loop catches the main line and ya get a mess of line coming off the reel at the same time.
By closing the bail with your hand and grabbing the line coming from the reel and giving it a quick pull,you stop that loop from forming and creating problems later. Hope this helps.

[budberry]

I have found that you can stop all that nonsense by switching to braided (20 test) line. It's limp and stays on the reel even if it get a little twisted.

[Buckshott00]

I believe this is why you're supposed to use your thumb with baitcasters. To avoid this with spin casters I will often press the line against the rod with my index finger creating a similar effect.