Managing Running Line - Help

[Aldo]

Ok, so I have finally gotten to the point where I can shoot a fair amount of line, but I am struggling a bit with the loose line between the bottom stripping guide and the reel. I fish a Rio Skagit which has a bright yellow head and forward taper, followed by a short black section at the rear which then joins the yellow running line. I can get a good pick up and anchor set when I start with a foot or so of the black section outside the rod tip, but that leaves me with several yards of loose line between the bottom stripping guide and the reel when I start my cast. If I let it drag in the current below me, it "grabs" the water and limits the length of my cast. Much of the time, I can coil it in loose loops, pin it against the grips with both the upper and lower hand, and shoot the whole mess. However, more often than I like, it gets caught up on a finger (or itself). So, what is the proper way to manage that line before I shoot it?

[jackpine1209]

Hi Aldo, There are quite a few folks on this board that can help you. I have seen YouTube videos that help too. I am still learning, but depending on the amount of running line you are working with, you divide it up. I will strip in 2-5 strips then hold it with my pinkie finger. Then strip in 1 to 2 less stips than before, depending on amount of line out, then use the ring finger to hold it and so forth. This is just an example of line management. You just want to make each loop of line a strip in less than the previous. So each loop is slightly smaller, so they will not tangle as you release the line when it is cast. It will take a little timing on your line release point. Hang onto it until you think it's to late, that should be close.

[buff]

If you coil the running line as if you were using a shooting head on a single-handed rod, you will tangle up for sure. I use a technique I learned from a U.K. instructor. Haul in one-half of your running line, and loop it over a lower hand finger and hold it in a pinch (your choice, pinkie for me) in two equal parts - quarters, eh? Halves of a half? Repeat with the rest. You will now have four long skinny loops on the water, about equal in size, two on each side of your lower hand, and two bends on your finger. The current will manage the loops for you. When you cast your head, the huge mass will suck all that floating running line through the guides. Not nearly as elegant as a neat bunch of small loops of decreasing size hanging from your fingies, but it sure does work. No spaghetti!

[SkagitMiester]

Here is one by Peter Charles. His stuff is excellent.

[Leo M]

There is an excellent article/video on a page called Deneki Outdoors. They make loops of line not coils and there is another article/video about using the top hand not the bottom to hold the line. It helped me.

[fredaevans]

Originally Posted by buff

If you coil the running line as if you were using a shooting head on a single-handed rod, you will tangle up for sure. I use a technique I learned from a U.K. instructor. Haul in one-half of your running line, and loop it over a lower hand finger and hold it in a pinch (your choice, pinkie for me) in two equal parts - quarters, eh? Halves of a half? Repeat with the rest. You will now have four long skinny loops on the water, about equal in size, two on each side of your lower hand, and two bends on your finger. The current will manage the loops for you. When you cast your head, the huge mass will suck all that floating running line through the guides. Not nearly as elegant as a neat bunch of small loops of decreasing size hanging from your fingies, but it sure does work. No spaghetti!

+1. Only thing you have to keep in mind is 'how much do I really have to shoot?' 60-90 feet I'll just pull in line and do large loops and as I'm coming forward from the 'D loop' just dump the whole load in the water with a light finger 'clamp' until the lines moving out over the water. Short heads like a Skagit/Scandi will just rip that out of the water.
fae


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[YAMMY-CA]

Might have been stated but hold the running line with your top hand-Brian Niska of Whistler Fly Fishing taight me that.The line to the reel is taught and once you get onto it --awesome.He may have a You Tube video of it-no more tangles arounfd the reel.

[Rick J]

I use monofiliment and generally in the 30# class or less so even with long loops on the water, I get almost no stick. One problem with too long a loop is you need to be careful where you place your anchor so the fly does not catch (if your anchor and loops are on the same side). Most skagit folks I know all pretty much grip the line with their top hand - as someone else mentioned, it helps to make your first coil pointing one direction and the second pointing the other - much as you would coil a rope - if all go in the same direction, you will develop twist to your running line.

I do like Peter's video though!

[dave masters]

..the 3 DVD one by Rio...you will find a wealth of informed opinions and info there.