Current Pointer
{April 2007} 

Archived Pete's Pointers
{September 2003} {October 2003} {January 2004}
 {May 2004} {October 2004} {May 2005}{December 2005}{August 2006}

October 2003

From time to time, as careful as we try to be, an occasional backlash or knot may appear in our fishing line when casting.  Using a fishing hook to remove this line problem is definitely not the way to remove it.  You can cause damage to your line or even worse to your finger or hand with a hook. 

Here’s a suggestion that will resolve this troublesome problem for you.  There is a little device on the market called an “Orapik Traveler” that can be found in the dental section at Wal-Mart.  It is a twin pack dental pick that can be adapted easily to remove a knot or backlash.   

I would suggest sharpening the point of the pick with a sharpening stone.  After sharpening, this thin, narrow tool will fit into most knots and with just a slight pressure will help to loosen and remove the knot or backlash.  The tool comes with a key chain that allows it to be hooked to your tackle bag or any other convenient location. 

There are many uses for this little device, here it another.  It can be used to remove the paint from jighead eyes. It works particularly well with those small ice fishing jigheads that always come with the eyes of the jighead filled with paint.  You can also use it to help remove a hook from a garment that has penetrated beyond the barb by raising the fabric above the barb.  If you find other fishing related uses for this little tool let me know and I will put them on our website.  Share this Pete’s Pointer with your friends by giving them a free pick.  They will be eternally grateful and hopefully they will share this pointer with their friends.