The Fishermans Net

Am I the only one who keeps having to pull out several yards of line after each cast to release loose coils? My mags are on full with no brake blocks on a well looked after mag elite using 15lb ultima f1. I have mostly stopped having catastrophic birds nests but still get the odd slight annoying tangle.

Any tips please

Put 2 blocks on.

As Steve says, put two blocks on then you can reduce the mag. But first, make sure your end caps are not too slack. There should be only the slightest horizontal movement when you "waggle" the spool.

Would 2 blocks reduce distance more than mags at full....or what setting of mags and brakes would be optimal?

Stop worrying about distance. Get a smooth casting action sorted first.Everything else will fall in to place later.Do you think Peter North always came first without dedicated practice

Steve Duffy wrote:Stop worrying about distance. Get a smooth casting action sorted first.

Steve`s right. Bad casting technique will cause full or partial overruns no matter how a reel is set. And good technique is what leads to good distance.

Years ago (In the Stone Age) I was told to get a certain rod and reel to give me the best chance of gaining distance. I got them but after 3 months I wasn`t getting more than 60 or 70 yards.
Then one day the guy who told me what to buy turned up while I was fishing and I had words with him about putting me on a bum steer. He said; "Let me try".

He used my rod and reel, complete with the end tackle on it, and did a basic off-the-ground cast. The lead sailed out of site and I slunk off apologetically. After that I started practicing technique and doubled my distance within a couple of weeks.

Tag along with some of the guys on a fishing trip and ask them to show you the best way to set up your reel and improve technique. Good Luck

Hard to say without seeing it first hand.....slight over-runs can happen if you`re just a tad late stopping the spool when the lead hits the water...nothing bad but enough to give you some loose coils. I always have brake blocks in my reels with the mags set on @4 and rarely have a prob....when practise casting i put the mags on full but it still flies...fact is if you have a decent technique you will get a good distance anyway.

Try using a thicker oil. Literally one drop in a bearing can completely transform your reel.

I have mags but dont bother with them. I just slow it down or stop the spool just before it hits water.