Salmon fishing line entanglement

I’ve only caught 2 salmon in my life, but I paid for that in hours of line untangling. There’s nothing more frustrating than not getting any bites on a long tiring day, and then, just when action picks up, you find out that your flasher is all bundled up in your line.

Why does that happen?
I don’t know for sure, and I hope members can comment, but I have one thought. I’m assuming a triangular spinning flasher. I think that if the downrigger goes down too fast, and the kayak is traveling not fast enough, then the flasher is more vertical, instead of perfectly horizontal. The main line can develop a belly. That brings the main line and the flasher close to each other, and may cause entanglement (see image).

Of course, it could be bad swivels too, but mine have always been working perfect so that can’t be it. I also put new line after it entangles to remove the risk of re-entanglement. But that doesn’t help.

yup, youre right

Invest in some high quality ball bearing swivels and make sure they are functioning correctly. If you have a triangle flasher and spinning type lure make sure they spin the same way. Some casting spin clockwise and some counter clockwise. Put the two together and you will get endless tangles.

I run main line w/ 2 beads (keeps junk off 1st swivel) and I tie on a LARGE ball bearing snap swivel (sampo brand). Then that clips onto the ball bearing swivel of my spinning flasher. The other end of the spinning flasher is another ball bearing swivel. Then my leader is attached to that with a ball bearing swivel. So in total 4 ball bearing swivels.

Oh and check your gear every 20 minutes to make sure you still have bait and haven’t gotten fouled by anything.

Just my 2c

Invest in some high quality ball bearing swivels and make sure they are functioning correctly. If you have a triangle flasher and spinning type lure make sure they spin the same way. Some casting spin clockwise and some counter clockwise. Put the two together and you will get endless tangles.

I run main line w/ 2 beads (keeps junk off 1st swivel) and I tie on a LARGE ball bearing snap swivel (sampo brand). Then that clips onto the ball bearing swivel of my spinning flasher. The other end of the spinning flasher is another ball bearing swivel. Then my leader is attached to that with a ball bearing swivel. So in total 4 ball bearing swivels.

Oh and check your gear every 20 minutes to make sure you still have bait and haven’t gotten fouled by anything.

Just my 2c

I previosuly noticed that I'd have more line twists when I'm running something like a brads cut plug behind a triangle flasher. It might be the opposite rotational thing like you said. Now I only run it behind a traditional flasher/dodger and line twist are gone.

How about keeping it simple and just use something like an FBR, with no dodger or flasher?

How about keeping it simple and just use something like an FBR, with no dodger or flasher?

I never tried a no flasher/dodger for salmon fishing, and everyone is using them. Do you feel it’s just as effective? What’s your favorite setup?

I don't know anything about downriggers, but have done a lot of trolling without one, and tangles often happen when you drop down too fast or when you stop moving (and a sharp turn can stop the terminal rig's motion).   Much heavier line from the weight to the flasher/dodger also helps avoid tangles, and makes it easier to figure out how to untangle them.

How about keeping it simple and just use something like an FBR, with no dodger or flasher?

I never tried a no flasher/dodger for salmon fishing, and everyone is using them. Do you feel it’s just as effective? What’s your favorite setup?

This One is a winner!
Had a big salmon on in Albion 4-5 yrs ago and
Caught one at Bodega a month ago on this.
This is a chartreuse wiggle hootchie 4-5 ft back from a deep six diver with flash tape on it
The thing I like about it is it’s simple, like never gets fouled.And it works
I like to have a couple different setups  when I troll and this one has been a go-to

Scotty

How about keeping it simple and just use something like an FBR, with no dodger or flasher?

For noobs like myself, what is an FBR?

How about keeping it simple and just use something like an FBR, with no dodger or flasher?

For noobs like myself, what is an FBR?

Franco Bullet Rotator.

My downrigger release is directly tied on my downrigger line instead of a 12'' extension.  Not sure if that helps but I don't get tangles on mine.