line tangle while using spoons for pike

I’m using 1 1/8 oz Doctor Spoons fishing for pike. Using Fenwick rod, Shimano spinning reel and 15 inch flourocarbon 60 lb leader and have changed to 6/0 single hook and use braided line. The problem I have is every 15-20 casts the hook will get caught on the leader, so it makes it so you are trying to bring in the spoon sideways. It is obvious when it happens and is tangled that way immediately after the cast. Any ideas to avoid this, like longer leader. Thats about all I can think of to try. Anybody have any ideas how to avoid this. Thanks Doug

Dump the spinning rig and get a baitcaster. Once you master the casting your problems will be over.

I thought about trying that also..I didn’t want to spend the $$ on it unless it would help. Might try that Thanks

You didn’t mention what you are using for main line. I’m assuming by the other gear you are using a braid of some sort. If thats true ditch the floro leader, you don’t need it. With the length of the spoon and the length of the shank on the hook you won’t get bit off. Might have a issue if they go into a death roll but I doubt it.

I think ( just guessing here) is maybe you are casting sidearm? The spoon is hitting first and getting into your line before the spoon has a chance to sink. With a baitcaster you can stop that line when the spoon enters the water causing less of a chance to hook you line. Try casting over head and keep your rod tip high and lower it as the spoon starts to sink. Let us know if that helps.

Hope I’m not confusing you, this is one of those things that’s hard to explain, easy to demonstrate.

Ok. I’ll try to make sure I don’t side arm it. Probably try the casting reel. I used one years ago. Main thing I remember is be sure and adjust reel if you change to another wt lure. I knew you guys would have some advise. Thanks

Dutchboy wrote:

With a baitcaster you can stop that line when the spoon enters the water causing less of a chance to hook you line.

Why do you need a baitcaster to do this? I can do the same thing with my spinning reel. Just put your finger out and slow/stop the line. I just make sure that when I open the bail it is opening away from me so it is not in the way when I want to use my finger to stop the line. Really not that much different than using your thumb on a baitcaster. Just stopping the line using different digit.

Huntindave wrote:

<div class=”d4p-bbt-quote-title”>Dutchboy wrote:</div>
With a baitcaster you can stop that line when the spoon enters the water causing less of a chance to hook you line.

Why do you need a baitcaster to do this? I can do the same thing with my spinning reel. Just put your finger out and slow/stop the line. I just make sure that when I open the bail it is opening away from me so it is not in the way when I want to use my finger to stop the line. Really not that much different than using your thumb on a baitcaster. Just stopping the line using different digit.

I was kinda thinking the same thing. I know that when I have these kinds of tangling issues I will stop the line before the lure hits the water. It straightens your line/lure before it makes the big splashdown.

That big spoon is tumbling through the air and giving it all kinds of opportunities to grab that leader before it hits the water.

Its the aerodynamics of the spoon itself that is going to make it want to turn around on ya midair. Hence it hooking on the line. Common problem.

With braid on and that heavy of a spoon I’m sure you are casting it a freaking country mile, and its gonna double over whether you slow the line or not. Shorter casts will alleviate the issue, but still not solve it. Any kind of wind, wind gusts, or even that spoon flip flopping the right way it’ll happen time to time still.

Why I usually opt out for trolling spoons.

Do what I do in Canada to stop this.. cut 2 of the 3 hooks off the daredevl and remove the barb JK…. It does come down to having the flight of the lure correct, sometimes when the wind is right and you get it up there like a kite, you can watch the lure start to flutter and it almost always hooks the leader. An over head, as close as possible to 40′ (degree) pitch works best, I have found and keep the slack out as best you can

I wondered if the big hook mattered. No barb but it will not untangle itself. I’m fishing in less than 5 ft of water and casting as far from boat as I can. Usually some wind that doesn’t help. I will try to work on my casting technique and maybe try not using a leader with the braided line.
Thanks guys!!

I don’t see the leader as being a problem. In fast, with super-limp braided line, I find it better to use a stiff 30-40 lb, 12-18″ long fluoro leader to reduce tangling the hooks in the line.

Is it just me or does anyone else agree 1 in 15-20 casts tangling does seem like a big problem?

I know when I get these tangles with lures when using a leader or snap, I can usually fix it by switching to a clip that is smaller with less wiggle room.

Huntindave wrote:

Why do you need a baitcaster to do this? I can do the same thing with my spinning reel. Just put your finger out and slow/stop the line. I just make sure that when I open the bail it is opening away from me so it is not in the way when I want to use my finger to stop the line. Really not that much different than using your thumb on a baitcaster. Just stopping the line using different digit.

I agree with this… I use my thumb more frequently with the baitcaster if this problem arises. It make the package at the end of the line straighten out before landing on the water. It also allows you the ability to start reeling the line as the spoon is entering the water which is a plus, which can also help keep the line outta da way.

Mark

Is it the spoon? Cuz some spoons do just line tangle. Some tumble on the cast. Some tumble as it catches a side wind.

I’m trying to send pics to pike/musky forum in the 2015 pic topic. Everything seems to be working when I do just what you had said to do. The blue line that shows the progress never goes past the 1/2 way point. I can’t be over the data allowed with only 1 pic can I? Same pic emailed uses 40kb. My internet provider is Verizon. We have a 5 spot. No cable connection. So not that fast. But my message with pic never goes thru. Any ideas. Doug

Email the picture to [email protected] and I will try it.
DT

I posted the pic under the 2015 musky/northern photos as well.
DT

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