BWCABlogLady wrote on Feb 17^th, 2011 at 7:06pm:

All I know is don't put new line on your reel right before your canoe trip and make sure you have plenty of line on.  I've struggled with crazy tangles from coiled line and losing fish because the line ran out.  Two fairly easy things to fix.  In spite of all of the issues I experience we always catch fish; I have no clue what kind of line it is!

Crazy tangles on spinning usually happen sooner or later but there is much you can do to lessen the problem. They don't call it spinning for nothing I always say ;).

1. Make sure when you put the line on it isn't twisting. How do you know? Reel some line on the reel spool and then put some slack in the line (push the rod and reel towards the spool of line), if it curls and twists turn the spool of line upside down and continue. Keep testing. If it gets put on twisty you start out very disadvantaged. I put my spool of line on a thin rod (a transfer punch) and clamp it in a vice. Then I either put a weight on it or run it through a phone book to keep some pressure on it while I fill the spool. You want the line on tightly....this is of paramount importance but especially with braid. The best way is to have it put on by machine at a shop where you know the line is fresh.
2. You can also lessen line twist by closing the bail by hand. There is a 1/4 twist put in the line every time you close the bail by turning your reel handle. This will add up eventually. Plus it is more relaxing not hearing the big "clunk" every minute as well.
3. Do not, under any circumstances, try and reel while your drag is going out. The line cannot go out and in at the same time. You only succeed in weakening your line and putting a lot of line twist in as well.
4. One tip to avoid tangles while reeling is if you get some slack while you are reeling stick your forefinger straight out until things get tight. It is surprising how well this works.