Improper practices associated with the use of recreational fishing line can hurt the environment, as well as inconvenience fishermen. Discarded fishing line endangers fish, birds and small craft. Improperly spooled line on a fishing reel results in tangles that weaken the line. Employing certain methods to recover discarded fishing line aids the environment and reduces the chance of damage to boat systems. Understanding the operation of your fishing reel can improve the angling experience.
Environment and Water Craft
Step 1
Contribute to the well-being of water life by retrieving coils of discarded monofilament line that you encounter on the open water. You can retrieve line by using a boat hook, fishing gaff or fishing net. Store the recovered line in a sealed container or below deck to prevent it from blowing away.
Step 2
Recover fishing line from a marina or inlet waters to prevent it from fouling boat propellers or rudders or being sucked into bilge and bait pumps. Store recovered line out of breezy areas when you plan to continue boating.
Step 3
Dispose of recovered fishing line in sealed trash containers or in monofilament recycling bins. Report any instances of people carelessly discarding fishing line to a landing official or the game warden.
Fishing Reels
Step 1
Set the spool tension on your fishing reel to avoid tangles when casting and recovering a weighted fishing line. Typically, conventional casting reels have a knob on the side of the reel that you turn by hand to adjust the tension.
Step 2
Tie the sinker or lure you plan to use on the end of the fishing line. Hold the rod in your casting hand so the tip is at a slight upward angle. Wind the sinker or lure up to the tip of the rod.
Step 3
Press your thumb on the spool to prevent it from rotating. Flip the lever on the side of the reel to disengage the gears for casting.
Step 4
Release your thumb from the spool and allow the sinker or lure to drop onto the dock or boat deck. The spool tension is too light when the spool continues to spin once the weighted object has dropped. Adjust the tension and repeat the drop test.
Step 5
Pinch the fishing line in front of the spool with your thumb and forefinger as you recover line onto the reel for another cast. Tension on the line prevents loose sections in the spool that often lead to tangles the next time you cast.
Tips and Warnings
- Become familiar with the locations of fishing line recycle bins at marinas, fishing piers and docks. Adjust the spool tension each time you change the weight of sinkers or lures.
Member Comments