Line twist using a float

[BigBear]

Pretty new to crappie fishing -- I like using a float above two jigs like others on here. I usually tie a 1/16 jig on with a palomar and then tie a 1/8th jig 12-18 inches below that. Sometimes when I cast the top jig and the bobber tend to get twisted up badly. What am I doing wrong? Should I not try to cast very far at all? Is it all about weight distribution? Please help!

Thanks

[Deacon]

Not being an expert I would say it is weight distribution. I have found that if I take my time casting I can eliminate this from happening most of the time. Try not to leave too much line hanging down when you cast.

[BigBear]

I thought the smart thing to do was to put the heaviest jig on the bottom. Should I switch them? When I cast, the bobber is at the very tip of the rod, there is no extra line hanging.

[TwainGang]

If I were you, I would not overhand cast- I would underhand flip it out there. This way the momentum of the heavier jig should lead the way and have a gentler journey until it hits the water. Overhand hefting it out there causes a rotation of the components these complicated rigs and the hooks end up finding the line during the cast.

[magnum500]

I am with TwainGang. Either cast underhand or try sidearm and try not to flip your wrist. If you flip your wrist it adds a flip to your setup causing your jig to come back to your bobber. I hope this helps.

[driller]

Use a round bobber. It wont twist up in your line like the long thin ones will.

[Rod]

If you would try a slip bobber it might fix the problem. They are great for casting when your target depth is over 4 or 5 ft under the bobber.

Rod

[BigBear]

I am using a slip bobber set at 4-5ft so it must be me!!

[deathb4disco]

BB,

It IS all about weight distribution. The more weight you have farther down the line away from your float, the more prone it is to tangle. Think of your float as a kite and the line below the float as the tail of the kite. If you have a lot of weight on a kite's tail, it won't fly correctly. Similarly, if you have a lot of weight below your float, it won't cast as well and will tangle.

When I cast a set up like this, I don't use anything heavier than a 1/32 oz. jig, and a weightless jig or fly is even better. I use waggler floats and put most of the weight around the base of the float.

If you need a diagram, let me know and I'll try to dig one up.

[BigBear]

Thanks dbd -- If you have a diagram handy, that would be great. Otherwise, I get the point. I'll save the 1/8th jig for vertical jigging.