Loose line on 704z when eeling, breaking off fish

[The Dad Fisherman]

Originally Posted by Eben

Chef, i think your problem is that you are catching fish that are too big. try targeting some smaller fish and the problem should go away

That sounds like it...Just PM me where your fishing and I'll come by and clear all those old, big fish out of the way for you so you can concentrate on some nice, Fresh, Small ones.

Its the least I can do

[SeaWolf]

just thought of this too - i'm not sure if this is happening of not, but is the drag knob tightening up on its own when you pul on the line? if so, then your drag could be assembled incorrectly inside the spool. from the bottom of the spool to the top, the assembly should be as follows - metal hex, teflon, metal circular, fiber, metal hex, fiber, metal circular, c-clip.

[Joe]

The line could have been spooled on without any pressure - that could do it.
The spool could be over-filled.
Your line could be caked with dry sea salt - or dirty. Sometimes back up spools have old or dirty line on them.
You could be reeling in your eel with a lot of slack or "belly" from the wind - that will make the line lay loose on a spinning reel. This happens especially under windy conditions. Try turning into the wind with the tip horizontal to the water. The wind is going to be strong tonight and Sat - keep an eye on the line to make sure you are in contact with the eel.

Most likey new line put on under pressure and a complete cleaning of your drag washers should fix it. Replace the drag washers if necessary.

[Mike P]

It's the drag. The washers are in wrong. Follow sea Wolf's instructions for the correct order, and find another tackle shop to deal with.

[jkswimmer]

The 704z is my go to reliable reel no problems like you discribe. But here is a tip that might help. Try thumbing the lip of the spool at the end of the cast to cut down on loose line. By the way i use 24# spider wire fusion for eeling on this reel and no problems like you say. I have to agree with the others it si more than likly your drag washers.

[fcap60]

Sounds like the drag washers need replacing or are assembled in the wrong order as described above.

Pick up a new set of drag washers (between $5-$8) and test it out before you fish again.


Good Luck

[Mike P]

Tell ya what---I've used the 704 as my go-to spinning reel since I was a teenager. First reel of my own I ever bought (still have that greenie in the basement). That drag is damn near bulletproof, and especially so when you're running HT-100 washers. I've cleaned mine after seasons where hundreds of fish came to the beach or the rocks. Sometimes, the metal washers would be scored, with concentric alternating rings of brass and chrome, like the growth rings on an oak tree. Sometimes, they'd have rust spots, or spots where the chrome flaked off and raw brass was showing, that were the size of a ladybug. Sometimes, the old leather washers would be pasted to metal and come off in pieces. After the HT-100s came out, sometimes they'd be salt encrusted. But, right up till the end of the season, the drag never missed a beat---never stuck and never seized. As long as the metal washers are in the right order, and as long as there's bits of fiber between them, it works. But, put two of those metal washers in the wrong order and she'll lock down tighter than Fort Knox within 5 revolutions of the spool.

And, why I think your shop guy isn't correct is, if your line was that loose---
and believe me, the ONLY way it could ever be loose enough for 15# or 20# mono to dig and bind was if it was wound on under no tension at all---you'd get the mother of all birdsnests within your first three casts with a snake If you're casting an eel and retrieving it slow, there is plenty of tension on the line when you're reeling in. Enough to prevent what your shop guy's telling you the problem is. Even if your line is getting pushed by incoming waves.

[basswipe]

I've found that to much line on the spool can also cause that problem.This happened to me 1st time I used it this year.The shop put WAY to much line on the reel.

You might also check to make sure the line roller is rolling.When the roller is bound up it can cause the line to twist and not lay to evenly on the spool with the end result being a lost plug on the cast.I found this out the hard way.

With a little regular maintenance I find my 704 to be a great reel.

Convert it over to manual pickup,drill some drain holes in the cup and find yourself a metal sideplate and you've got yourself a tank that you'll always be
able to fix yourself.

[jkswimmer]

The 704z is my go to reliable reel no problems like you discribe. But here is a tip that might help. Try thumbing the lip of the spool at the end of the cast to cut down on loose line. By the way i use 24# spider wire fusion for eeling on this reel and no problems like you say. I have to agree with the others it is more than likely your drag washers.