Over the years, we’ve tested a long list of line trays and baskets from a number of different manufacturers – some with staying power, others that have dwindled away. Along the way, we’ve experienced lots of quality issues and design flaws but also a lot of innovation and clever thinking. One thing is for sure, there is great difference between the best line management solutions out there and the worst. And the choice of line management system is not to be taken lightly.
Line management is important for several reasons with the most important ones being:
- Shooting ability and casting distance: Line trays and baskets help achieve longer casts with less effort by lifting the line free of the water (or ground) and elevating it closer to the rod.
- Tangle avoidance: Especially when using thin shooting lines (for instance flat mono or micro-thin fly lines) a line tray will help avoid tangles when casting (or when clearing line after a fish has taken the fly).
- Line maintenance: Fly lines that get stuck in grass, reeds, branches, and between rocks get worn out faster than they would otherwise. A line basket or line tray can prevent this from happening.
Line Tray or Line Basket?
There are two different line management systems you can choose from (and some hybrid ones):
- Line tray: An open tray or platform with spikes attached to it to help hang on to the fly line coils.
- Line basket: A complete basket with sides that help contain the fly line inside. (Some of these also have spikes inside).
Line trays are the preferred choice when wading – either on a flat or in the ocean (as long as you’re not wading in too deep – or getting knocked around by big waves or swells. A line tray is also great, if you’re on a boat).
However, if you’re fishing from the bank or moving around close to structure, branches or other protruding snags, a stripping basket that fully contains your fly lines (and prevents line from snagging up) is what you need.
The point is, you need two line management systems to optimize your fishing. And know which ones we’d pick.
The Line Master
Danish company, Easy Shrimp Eyes have developed the Line Master. We’ve been using it for the past year, and it is a truly innovative and easy-to-use line tray that offers a range of cool benefits: Firstly, the Line Master features some of the best spikes available; slightly hook-shaped, tapered spikes that maintain their shape really well. (26 of them in total with a length of 10cm) They hold on to the fly line when needed and effortlessly let go when shooting line. Secondly, the Line Master – because it consists of four interweaving elements – is collapsible. As a result, it is great for traveling. It takes up little room in a suitcase or backpack. Thirdly, the Line Master comes with a great wading belt that is easily adjustable and lasts over time. Moreover, an extra tray element can be bought and added making the tray even bigger. The dimensions are as follows: 28.5cm x 23.5cm x 9.5cm. Weight: 309g. Made of 100% recycled plastic.
Pros:
- Lightweight
- Large tray (28.5cm x 23.5cm). (Extension kit available, which increases size with 20%).
- Made in Europe (Denmark)
- Great spike design (The spikes prevent tangles while maintaining great shooting abilities)
- Great shooting abilities
- Made to last
- Incorporated rod holder
- Solidly made adjustable wading belt
- Perfect for boat fishing, stillwater fishing, and for overhead casting along the coastal shores
Cons:
- Not designed for bank fishing: Because the Line Master tray has no sides/walls and all the line hangs out it is not ideal for fishing rivers and lakes with lots of branches, reeds, and bushes
- Prone to tangling when fishing in windy conditions or when big swells and waves come crashing in (This can be helped a bit by buying the extension kit).
Sondergaard ECOastal Stripping Basket
The Sondergaard ECOastal Stripping Basket has been a faourite of ours for years. It is a hybrid between a line tray and a stripping basket with walls on three sides and a narrowing opening in the front. It is the result of the combination of light-weight materials, superior ergonomics and functionality. This comfortable and easy-to-use stripping basket comes equipped with flexible spikes that prevent line tangles. An adjustable velcro-fitted belt keeps the stripping basket in place and the half-open tray effectively keeps track of your fly line. We use it when fishing our local rivers and lakes, but also when fishing in rough weather conditions along the coast – for seatrout. The ECOastal Stripping Basket is made with biodegradeable materials and is extremely lightweight. It is also very soft, which means you won’t hurt your hands when hitting against the basket on cold winter days. Some of the specs include: Adjustable belt with velcro attachment allows quick position adjustments, 12 drain holes, Removable spikes (plastic tubes), and Integrated rod rest. Dimensions 43 x 28cm. 190grams including wading belt.
Pros:
- Extremely lightweight (The lightest model on the market – 116grams without wading belt).
- Highly ergonomical
- Sturdy and comfortable elastic belt with solid buckles
- Good shooting abilities
- Great for rough weather and turbulent seas – as well as bank fishing
- Long-lasting design
- Incorporated rod holder
- Made in Europe (Denmark)
Cons:
- Tangles are a bit more frequent than with the Line Master
- Not easy to travel with (or pack to be more specific) – as the line basket materials have a tendency to get deformed if heavily bent and put under pressure
Overall Conclusion
When you’re fishing from a boat or along a flat or coastal shore where loose hanging line from a line tray isn’t an issue – get the Line Master. Also, if you’re traveling a lot, the Line Master is ideal. For fishing along river banks and lakes where there are lots of snags – or when fishing in windy or wavy conditions, get the ECOastal Stripping Basket. These are the two best line management solutions out there. They’re not expensive either, so why not consider getting one of each?
For more info:
https://scientificanglers.com/product/ecoastal-stripping-basket/
