Stan1295 Loc: Southeastern CT

I troll for trout in small lakes here in CT, and to that end I purchased a new trolling rig--Lamiglass Classic Glass trolling rod with a Daiwa Lexa 100 line counter reel which I spooled with a mono backer and Kast King Super Power braided 10 lb. test. Nice rig! Recently (My third or fourth trip with this rod/reel, I snagged really good on some underwater object. That line is incredible--I think you could tow a house with it. I gradually freed my line by maneuvering the boat 180 degrees opposite my position when I snagged. I lost the lure but my leader/braided line were intact.

Since then I have been having trouble with paying the line out freely. Everything seems to be fine--drag, the line counter, it retrieves well, spool side-play adjustment works, the release lever works, but when you release the line to let it out the spool/line seems to be lightly stuck--it doesn't pay out freely. I have to jerk the rod forward to pull a few feet of line off the reel at a time. I need some help troubleshooting this. This is my first baitcaster and first experience with braided line; I have always fished with spinning reels in freshwater prior to this. This reel worked beautifully prior to the snag.

I can't tell if the reel is damaged, the line is sticking to itself from being overtightened from the snag, or the line is sticking to itself because that's the nature of this particular (or any) braided line (it seems a little rough). Could it be a bearing problem? The spool's axle is slightly bent? Or what?

I would appreciate any insight you can give. Thanks in advance!

Robert J Samples Loc: Round Rock, Texas

Stan 1295: it sounds like you have gotten the line cut down into the remaining line in the spool when you got hung up. Check carefully and see if this isn't the cause of your problem. Just Sayin...RJS

Stan1295 Loc: Southeastern CT

Thanks I'll check that out

Fredfish Loc: Prospect CT.

I agree with RJS, when you pulled the line tight, it cuts down between the other strands of line. Pull a bunch off till it comes off freely. Then crank it back on, keeping tension on the line. You should now be back to the way it was before the snag. The reel should be fine.

Ben Bragg Loc: Dayton Ohio

Yea your definitely having line dig.
Happens with braid but light braid seems to happen more frequently.
I’d try upping the lb test.
Should minimize.
At very least. Let out a lot of line , until it pays out freely. Then wind it back up under tension

Fredfish Loc: Prospect CT.

Is there an Echo in here?

Stan1295 Loc: Southeastern CT

Line dig, huh? Sounds like a common malady. Thank you! I’ll let you know how I make out!

Stan1295 Loc: Southeastern CT

Thanks for the diagnosis Ben! I’ll let you know how I make out.

Fredfish Loc: Prospect CT.

Stan, it happens a lot if you try to pull a snag out with the reel. Let our some line, and wrap it around a screwdriver or a piece of wood, and pull on that.