Getting a backlash can be extremely frustrating, especially when it happens during a tournament when there is no time to waste. Believe it or not, there are ways to prevent backlashes from occurring other than simply “thumbing” the spool when you are making a cast. The first thing you need to do to prevent a backlash from happening is dialing in your reel effectively. To learn how to do this correctly, check out this helpful video. As with anything, practice makes perfect so the more time you spend casting various lures in different conditions the more proficient you will become at casting with minimal backlashes. With most anglers opting to use fluorocarbon line due to the numerous advantages it offers, there are a few things that you need to pay attention to if you happen to backlash while fishing with it. If fluorocarbon happens to get any sort of kink in it when casting, it can often times easily break at the spot of the kink. The fact is that most fluorocarbon has a significantly low amount of stretch compared to monofilament. Because of this, the breaking point could happen more quickly with fluorocarbon if it has been compromised due to multiple backlashes. If you do happen to get the "Professional Overrun" it is important to pick out every kink or tangle carefully before making your next cast. Check out a recent blog to learn more about the in-depth science of how backlashes can cause fluorocarbon to break. Getting a backlash every now and then is just part of fishing and can even happen when you are using braided line as well. Braid has little to no stretch, and is susceptible to breaking more than you might think. While lighter braid has been known to break on hard hooksets, braid in general can break on backlashed casts with heavier lures like Alabama rigs. Most braided line is very limp, causing it to get tangled up in the spool easier than fluorocarbon or monofilament. Because of this, you need a braid that gives you maximum casting distance so you can make a cast with less effort in hopes of preventing a backlash. We recommend Xplasma Asegai for a situation like this to help reduce braid backlashes. The best way to reduce backlashes is to continue to practice with your reels. Spending a few minutes a day when at home in your garage or yard practicing your casting can really help your performance on the water. Even if not on the water practicing with your reels and getting your reels adjusted to your preferences can improve your casting overall.