Zee baas wind knots

[bloocrab]

Most of my "wind-knots" have come from either line twist (which I believe can happen from a variety of ways), over-filling the spool or what has caused it the most for me, my retrieve on the previous casts (usually with wind present, but not always).

You mention it happens 15-20 yds from the plug (somethings either happening at the end of your retrieve, when most have given up on their presentation or during the initial cast when it's finding its way through the eyes)... Does it happen consistently enough to test it?
If out of 10 casts, it happens 3X....try retrieving without adding action. Just cast out as far as you can...position your rod so any wind doesn't arc or mess with the tension on the line and simply reel it in with steady pressure. If it's mechanical, it should still twist or improperly lay the line reproducing your issue....if it doesn't, I'd wager it's either an incorrectly paired duo (rod-eyes vs reel-spool diameter) or it's the way you're fishing it.

Have you tried fishing the reel on different rods? Wind knots can be costly, knot just losing line...losing tackle!

It's such a sweet victory when you can *pop* a knot out
And I'm with GS....hand-flip my bail always. I haven't had to replace a bail spring in over 20 years. Once you habitualize it..you don't even realize you're doing it anymore...