Line Management Device

Designed By: Stan Pleskunas

November/December 2006

Reviewed By: Ed Jaworowski

Overview

For 35 years, I have designed, made, bought, and used stripping baskets or other line management devices. Not only do I use one routinely when fishing in salt water, in the surf, on jetties, on bonefish flats, and on boats, but I have also used them at times when fishing for trout, bass, pike, salmon, carp, and shad in fresh water. Line management is as important when fishing on a boat as it is when wading. You will never step on your line when using one. If your line occasionally, or regularly, gets underfoot, or gear and boat fittings seem to jump up and grab your line, or wind blows your running line off the deck, here’s the solution. Most of the time it’s convenient to wear a basket fitted on a belt around the waist, but when mobility isn’t a factor, an LMD (line management device) or VLMD (“V” for vertical) will make your fishing more effective and enjoyable. I have used many types, including a simple plastic bucket and a collapsible vinyl tub used by gardeners to collect leaves. Each has frustrating drawbacks. I am aware of at least three commercial model LMD’S, but I’ve found none better designed and more effective than the one made by Californian Stan Pleskunas. In his corner of the globe, where anglers fish for striped bass predominantly with shooting heads and mono running lines, the LMD is de rigeur, which translates to “don’t leave home without it”. While nothing can guarantee that your line will never tangle when casting, a line management device will dramatically limit line tangles and make your casting more efficient. The basic function of an LMD is simple enough---it holds the line you have retrieved so that it doesn’t get underfoot or catch on boat gear. But it can do more than that. It should also keep the coils of fly line separated to a reasonable degree, to facilitate casting. If it is tall enough and stable enough, you can lean on it to balance yourself on a rocking boat. This one is. If the bottom is sealed, as this one is, you can put a little water in it and keep mono running line from blowing around. When the boat is running, instead of reeling in your line or having it blow around and tangle, you can leave it in the bucket, and stand your rod and reel in it, ready to pick up and cast as soon as the boat stops. Pleskunas’ LMD is heavy and stable, but in rough seas I suggest bracing it to a rail with a bungee or other tie. I have fished with two models. My standard LMD is about 26” high, 15” in diameter. My travel model (TLMD is shown in photo) is about the same height, but 12” in diameter. These devices are made of a sturdy pipe material known as PIP, with heavy bases and cushioned feet for stability, and to avoid deck marking. Inside they feature removable PVC pegs that act as line coil separators. They have cut out carrying handles, and a cushioned rubber collar around the top to protect rods placed in the buckets from scrapes. The travel model has swing out and removable feet. It also has a removable snug fitting lid. When flying to a destination, remove the feet, and place them inside with all your tackle, reels, flies, accessories, etc., and pull the lid tight. Because of the slightly smaller size of the travel model you can slip it into a duffle and check it through as luggage. Both are virtually indestructible. Either works well for one-hand or two-hand retrieving, and I have had almost no line tangling problems for the season I fished them. While it seems like is a moderately costly investment for a “bucket” ($185 plus shipping), consider that the raw material is costly, each represents a lot of labor, is custom made in limited quantity, and will last a lifetime. I regard an LMD as a vital accessory, and one every boat owner should seriously consider having on board. If you wish to purchase one or talk to Stan about other projects, you may contact him directly at 831-761-8324 (831 763 1928 FAX), company address is: Fumunda Marine Products, 1061 Elkhorn Rd., Watsonville Ca. 95076 or email at stanpleskunas@sbcglobal.net. A web site is planned and should be available within a week or so. Ratings Performance 4.5 Price 4.0 Features/Construction 4.5 Application 4.5 Plus Durability and Construction Minus Price (moderately expensive)$185.00 Final Score (5.0=Best) 4.5 Home