reader
repLy
LIVeWeLL
TJ Maglio’s article on dealing with backlashes (Fishing 101:
Tips for Dealing with Backlashes, July 2016 issue, pg. 36) was
helpful and appreciated. Please forward this email
to him to add to his arsenal of hints to deal with
backlashes.
The best way to deal with backlashes is not
to get one. There is one simple trick to preventing
most backlashes, and if one still happens it will be a “shallow one”
as opposed to the deep nightmarish one.
It’s common knowledge that all backlashes occur because the spindle
or spool is turning faster than the line can escape through the line
guide, and the line loosens progressively from the inside to the sur-
face and (results in a) bird’s nest.
SOLUTION: Peel off enough line equal to a “lengthy cast,” plus a
little more. Then put a piece of translucent Scotch tape across the spool. Then reel the line back on and
go fishing. Make sure you use the semitransparent/milky colored type of tape that can be written on,
as the clear version is a different composition and could melt in intense summer heat.
This technique prevents the line from loosening first deep within the spool. Even if you still some-
times get a backlash, it will be one of the shallow variety, which is much easier to untangle.
Finally, the tape will not be an issue in the event you hook a fish big enough to take enough line to
get past the location of the tape. The tape described is soft enough so as not to cause a problem coming
or going through the reel line guide (the level-wind). I suppose it’s possible for the tape to cause an
issue should it get lodged in the reel worm gear, but in 30 years I have never had a problem.
This technique REALLY WORKS.
Good Fishing,
Larry Moody
south afrIcan anGLers JoIn fLW famILy
f
ishing League Worldwide, the moniker behind the
familiar FLW logos, really is worldwide. Last year
the tournament organization’s Costa FLW Series
International Division got off the ground with four coun-
tries – China, South Korea, Canada and Mexico – and has
since grown to include South Africa. The announcement
regarding the latter’s entry into the FLW family came in
mid-August after President of Operations Kathy Fennel
and Hannes Lindeque of WJ Lindeque CC signed off on
the agreement. WJ Lindeque CC will promote, organize
and operate the South African tournament series.
Since bass were first stocked in South Africa’s lakes
several decades ago, bass fishing has become a popular
sport in that country. Where there is sport, there is com-
petition, and South African bass anglers will have plenty
24
of opportunities to showcase their skills through the
International Division. Beginning in 2017, FLW South
Africa will conduct a short series of qualifying tourna-
ments whose top fishermen will advance to the Costa
FLW Series Championship. The top two pros and co-
anglers from each country in the International Division
will compete in the championship, and the International
Division pro who finishes highest will advance to the
2018 Forrest Wood Cup.
“We are thrilled to add South Africa to our growing list
of countries offering FLW events,” says Fennel. “The glob-
al bass fishing community has embraced FLW as a unify-
ing force as we strive to provide unsurpassed opportuni-
ties for anglers, fans and sponsors worldwide. South
Africa has incredibly dedicated anglers that we are
pleased to welcome into the FLW family.”
fLWfIshInG.com I october-noVember 2016