Problems With Rig Tangles

QUESTION:

I am forever getting tangles and it's frustrating when I reel in and see them. Is there a simple way I can solve my rig tangles?

I have tried PVA bags, foam, etc on the hook!

ANSWER:

Tangles can be a real problem, especially if your rig is sitting out there and you're unaware of it.

I think many tangles are caused because the hookbait folds round too close to the tubing or main line as it flies through the air. The spinning action as it flies causes further problems for tangling rigs. I think the impact with the water can also cause some tangles or make them worse.

Anti-tangle tubing on the main line before the lead usually limits tangles because the hookbait and link can bounce off it, plus its thickness makes it harder for the hook to swivel round, especially if the rig is set up correctly.

There are a few ways to help avoid tangles in rigs.

Eliminate Rig Tangles to Improve Catch Rate of Prized Fish

1. Always feather the line gently during the last part of the cast, those last few yards just before the lead hits the water. This causes the hook and link to straighten out away from the lead as it hits the water.

2. Try not to cast too hard. Whacking out a rig with a strong, jerking style of cast can produce tangles in most commonly used rigs.

3. Use helicopter type of set-ups more often. These are great anti-tangle rigs, plus you'll be able to cast harder when using them.

4. Don't use braid alone for the hook link section of the rig. They are far too supple and it can easily swing round the tubing on the cast. Rather use monofilament line for the hook link, or combi links, or coated braids. Try stripping off a smaller section on the coated braids, maybe 1 or 2 inches before the hook. Braid only hooklinks are best used in PVA bags.

5. Try using an anti-tangle sleeve after the lead. These are placed on the hooklink, but next to the lead. They help form a small boom which holds the hooklink away from the mainline during the cast.

You should also remember that some tangles may occur on the retrieve and may have actually been fine when laying on the bottom.

Hope this helps you..

Carp Fishing Tactics Team

(Paul Replied back):

Could you explain how to feather the cast?

thank you...Paul

I always feather the line for every cast, well, except when using helicopter rigs as these hardly ever tangle.

I do this by gently tapping the line with my fingers as it comes off the spool.

Although, I don't do it straight away, rather I cast the lead, watch it go through the air, then during the last second as the lead is falling towards the water, I feather the line with the tips of my fingers. This process slows the speed at which the line spools off the reel.

The result is the lead slows, and allows the hookbait to overtake the lead so it's at full length. This means the lead will hit the bottom and the bait will become further away. In other words, the whole rig should be positioned straight on the bottom.

This technique always helps limit any possible tangle. In fact, I can usually see if the hooklink tangle before it hits the water. If this is the case then I wind the rig back in and recast it.

It takes a bit of time to practice casting this way, but I think it's worth it!

Thanks Paul.

best wishes...

Wayne

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