When it isn't working
Most fishing problems have two or three likely causes, and the quickest way back to fishing well is to check them in order. Each guide names the symptom first, then the causes worth confirming — most take seconds on the bank.
Last reviewed 26 September 2026 · Editorial policy
Why does my line keep twisting?
Line that spirals, kinks and won't lie straight is almost always picking up twist somewhere between the reel and the lure, not developing a fault on its own.
Why does my line keep tangling on the cast?
Most tangles on a spinning outfit come from slack line loading loosely onto the spool, not from bad luck with the wind.
Why aren't the fish biting?
A quiet session usually comes down to depth, presentation or timing rather than there being no fish present at all.
Why do I keep missing bites or losing fish on the strike?
A run of missed bites is nearly always about timing, hook sharpness or slack in the line rather than the fish simply not being interested.
Why do I keep losing fish right at the bank or the net?
Fish lost right at the end of the fight usually come off because of a sudden change in angle or pressure, not because the hook-hold was ever weak.
Why do I keep getting snagged on the bottom?
Repeated snagging is usually a sign the rig, weight or retrieve doesn't suit what's actually on the bottom, not bad luck.
Why does my line keep picking up weed or debris?
Constant fouling usually means the retrieve path is passing through cover rather than around or above it.
Why can't I cast accurately to where I'm aiming?
Consistently short, long or off-line casts usually trace back to release timing, follow-through, or wind reading, not the tackle itself.
Why is my reel's drag slipping, sticking or jerky?
A drag that doesn't run smoothly is either set wrong for the moment, worn, or contaminated — each has a different fix.
Why won't fish feed when the water is very cold or very hot?
Fish are cold-blooded, so water temperature directly affects how much they need to eat and how fast they can react — extremes at either end slow feeding down.