I have a Minn-Kota 40lb transom mount trolling motor and a few weeks ago in stopped spinning in reverse.  I took the prop off and removed a small 'wrap-around' ball of line that I picked up somehwere.  Put it all back together but it still won't spin.  I don't have a service rep near by so I'm wondering if anyone knows if I can fix this myself.

It's either a poor connection to the controller, or a faulty controller.

Take the cover off the control head, and check all the connections.

You can also temporarily reverse the connections to your battery.  Turn the motor control to a forward speed.  The motor should run in reverse.  If it doesn't, the problem may be in the motor.  However, I doubt that is likely.

Rhino,  Thanks for the advice.  That is a good starting point.