How to Fix Backlash on a Baitcaster

Unfortunately, backlash is a part of fishing when using a baitcaster. Even the pros will experience it from time to time. If you haven’t already, I recommend you read our guide on preventing backlash. Following that guide will greatly reduce the number of times you experience backlash and will make your time using a baitcaster much more enjoyable.

With the proper steps, you will rarely backlash but it will still happen occasionally. When the unfortunate backlash happens it is important that you know a few things so you don’t damage your line or make the birds nest worst. These tips will help get you back fishing faster.

1. Avoid pulling your line out with a lot of force. Pulling the line out too tight can cause pinch points that will damage your line.
2. Avoid tightening your drag and trying to reel through the backlash. This will also cause pinch points and damage your line.
3. Avoid grabing a big clump of line and try pulling it all. Pulling the wrong strains can lead to more of a tangles and make the situation worst.
4. Follow the mainline and slowly pull it out. While pulling it out watch for any strands that overlap it. It will look like your line is going through a hoop and as you continue to pull your mainline will bring it to a point.
5. That point in your line is where you want to pull. As you pull that loop you will see your mainline get freed from the other strands holding it down.
6. Continue to slowly pull your mainline out and watch for any other points that might have developed and are holding your line down.
7. Once you remove all the slack line the backlash will be fixed and you can reel your line back in.

Following these simple steps will get you back fishing quickly and won’t damage your line.

What Causes Backlash

Backlash is caused by your mainline getting wrapped over other strands of line on your spool. This often occurs when the spool is spinning faster than your line can leave the spool.