There are two very critical parts of the fly fishing process - making the cast at the right time, and successfully clearing loose line after a hookup. Both parts of the process depend on successful line management. We'll define "successful line management" as: keeping loose fly line tangle free, ready for a cast, and in good condition.

In the case of the cast, poor line management can result in reduced distance and missed opportunities. In the case of clearing line after a hookup, poor line management means a lot of "long line" remote releases.

Over the years, we've managed to commit most of the biggest mistakes. Standing on the line, having the line wrap around the rod butt or reel handles, getting the line snagged on rods that are not being used, having the line blow over the side and tangling in the motor...We've even had the line get caught in the bracelet of our wristwatch and get severed.

The most unusual break-off we're heard of happened to Scott Jaunich, a veteran yellowfin tuna fanatic from Vermont, who once had his shooting line wrap around the tail of a bonito that was stored in one of the boat's tuna tubes. To make matters worse, it wasn't the leader that broke when the line came tight- the shooting line was severed by the bonito's tail finlets, and Scott lost his shooting head as well as the leader, fly and fish.

We tend to think of line management as being divided into two categories: "Passive" and "Active".

"Passive" line management means the technique does NOT control the flyline itself. Rather, it seeks to control the environment around the fly line in a way which reduces snags, keeps the fly line ready, and / or protects it from damage. Examples of passive line management techniques include:

• Pop-up or folding cleats - These types of cleats move the top and stanchion of the cleat into a recess of some sort. Pop-up cleats move vertically, and are typically spring-loaded with a latch. Folding cleats fold flat into a recess in the base, and may or may not be spring-loaded
  
  
• Casting platform lips - These are raised lips on the edge of a casting platform, to help keep the fly line from blowing off the platform. On offshore skiffs, where there is usually a lot of freeboard around the casting platform, this is rarely seen. However, they are common on bay boats and flats skiffs.
  
  
• Covers for potential snags. For example, some people use a section of small-mesh net (say 4' x 4', 1/4" mesh) with perimeter weighting as a cover. They throw this "blanket" over the area where the fly line will fall to provide a smooth surface for the fly line to contact. The net's mesh allows air to get through, so the cover does not blow off in a wind, but is still fine enough to keep the fly line from snagging on things.
  
  Click for larger image
  
  
  
• Taping off cleats - If a boat does not have folding or pop-up cleats, you can use vinyl electrician's tape to prevent the fly line from getting caught.
  
  It doesn't have to be a lot of tape, either. Rather than building a mound of tape around the cleat, simply use a couple of short pieces to make a ramp for the fly line to slide over the cleat, as in the photo to the right.
  
  
• Recessed rod racks - By moving the rod butts and tips into the gunnels, recessed rod racks reduce the potential for snagging. On some flats and bay boats these racks are completely enclosed.
  

"Active" line management means the technique controls the fly line itself, and keeps it in a protected location. Examples of active line management techniques include:

• Stripping baskets - Stripping baskets have been around for ages. We've never been partial to them because we've never learned how to strip the fly in quickly when using one. Most stripping baskets sit in front, at waist height. This restricts arm movement, and slows stripping speed. There are some baskets designed to be worn around the thigh, so a better range of hand motion is possible. However, in the cramped confines of a skiff, a stripping basket attached to your leg can make moving around a trying, if not dangerous, experience
  
  
• Freestanding baskets- There are several different types of freestanding baskets, ranging from empty 5 gallon buckets to custom-made PVC or ABS tubes. Any of these might suit your needs, depending on your type of fishing.
  
  Pleskunas Designs
  Travel VLMD
  
  
  In many types of bluewater fly fishing, the amount of casting done is minimal. Teasers are dragged around until a fish can be lured to the boat, then one or two casts are made to the fish. In these situations, a relatively small, low container like a 5 gallon bucket can be used.
  
  The fisherman strips out an amount of line equivalent to the longest expected cast, then strips the line back into the bucket. The rod is left "at the ready" (leaning against the gunnel or cabin) until the fish appears. If it is necessary to strip line on the retrieve, the line is allowed to fall to the deck, since it is very difficult to strip line into a low-lying 5-gallon bucket, especially if you are busy trying to work a fish.
  
  If you think you might do a lot of casting, the 5-gallon bucket will probably not meet your needs. It is simply too difficult to strip line quickly and still get the fly line in the bucket. In these situations, specialized tubes make a lot more sense. The term "Vertical Line Management Device" or VLMD has been coined to refer to these tools. (We first saw this term used on Dan Blanton's website).
  
  The archetype for VLMDs is the Alu-Marine "FlyLine Tamer", but there are also very nice units made by Stan Pleskunas, and Sea-level Fly Fishing. Aside from being the correct height, VLMDs have additional base weighting to keep them upright in a rolling boat, non-skid bases, and line spikes in the bottom to keep the fly line from shifting. You can also add a couple of inches of water to the bottom to keep the fly line wet, and add even more weight.
  
  VLMDs can also be used as a convenient rod stand. We typically make a long cast, strip the line back into the VLMD, hook the fly to a guide, then place the rod in the VLMD. The VLMD and rod go in a corner of the cockpit. The base weight keeps everything upright, and when we stop to fish, all we have to do is move the basket to the right spot, lift the rod out, and cast.
  
  VLMDs also help when you need to temporarily stow the rod, but don't want to reel in all of your fly line. For example, if you need to help your partner land a fish, you would (or should) normally reel all of your line back into the reel before putting the rod down to lend a hand. With a VLMD, strip the fly in, hook it in a guide, then stick the rod into the VLMD.
  
  The main disadvantage of a VLMD is bulk. If they are too big in diameter, they can get in the way. In the case of Toy Boat 2, we originally purchased Stan Pleskunas' VLMD in the 18" diameter size, but found that they wouldn't fit in some of the areas of the cockpit. Fortunately, Stan also makes a 12" diameter travel model with swing-out feet that was a perfect fit for the walkways around the perimeter of Toy Boat 2. If you're travelling, this unit can be stuffed with clothes or other items and packed in a rolling duffle bag for transport.
  
  Another drawback to VLMDs over other types of line management is their cost. The average retail price for the three VLMDs mentioned is $175. But they do last a long time, and for the types of fishing we do, they make a lot of sense.
  
  Many other types of free-standing containers have been tried over the years, including collapsible leaf baskets, plastic trash cans and gift wrap containers. In our opinion, the major flaw with most of these is that they, like the 5-gallon bucket, are still typically too low. If the top of the container is much more than three or four inches below the line stripping hand at the bottom of a stroke, it is difficult keep the line in the basket as you strip. However, they are all pretty inexpensive, so you might want to give one or two of them a try anyway. If they work for you, great!
  
  
  
  courtesy FlyTubez, click for larger image
• Stripping mats - These are a new product from FlyTubez, in Oceanside, California. They are plastic matts with flexible line control spikes. They are typically used in the same places as freestanding buckets - e.g. when you will be casting from about the same position in the cockpit. They are better than a bucket because you can let the line fall to the floor while stripping, and everything is still under control. An interesting concept, and worth checking out if you don't like the bulk or cost of a VLMD. The spikes are also available seperately if you want to make your own stripping basket or stripping mat.

It really depends on your style of fishing and the layout of your boat.

Let's look at a couple of examples: 

Steve Cali with his
WR Jack Crevalle
courtesy Steve Cali

• Steve Cali, who holds 18 current and past fly rod world records, captured the 12 lb test tippet record for Albacore from his Scout 185 Sportfish. Steve prefers a VLMD. He fishes with two people on board, and uses the VLMD as we described above. Steve fly fishes for many different kinds of fish, usually with a VLMD, and feels comfortable using it.
  
  
• Contrast this to Scott Jaunich, who prefers to use a bucket or a clean section of deck. Scott fishes for yellowfin tuna primarily from larger boats, where the cockpit is clean and relatively free of obstructions. Scott captured his largest fly rod yellowfin, an 86 lber, using this technique. He would also be a good candidate for the stripping mat.

Us? Our preference is for the VLMDs. TB2 is crowded, with lots of things for fly line to get caught on. With a VLMD, we no longer worry about exposed rod butts, taping off cleats, etc., etc. We like to move around the cockpit, and we often practice run-and-gun techniques. VLMDs allow us to keep our equipment ready, do not restrict us with baskets strapped to our leg, and do not force us to leave line on the deck where it can still be stepped on.