Preparing a fishing reel for use involves correctly loading the line onto the spool and then running the line through the rod guides. Improper line loading is the primary cause of frustrating line tangles and casting issues. While there are three main types of fishing reels, the techniques for spooling line onto spinning and baitcasting reels are distinct. These differences require different approaches to manage line tension and prevent line twist, ensuring the reel performs as designed for smooth casting and retrieval.
Pre-Spooling Essentials
The process begins with selecting the appropriate line: monofilament, fluorocarbon, or braided line. Monofilament is nylon-based, known for its stretch and ease of handling. Fluorocarbon is nearly invisible underwater and has less stretch. Braided line offers superior strength for its diameter and virtually no stretch, but its slick surface requires special consideration. The line’s pound test should be matched to the reel’s specifications for optimal performance.
The reel must be securely mounted onto the rod seat, providing stability for the spooling process. For braided line, a short section of monofilament line, known as backing, is often necessary. This backing prevents the slick braid from slipping freely on the smooth metal spool under tension. The line is secured to the spool’s center, or arbor, using an Arbor Knot, which cinches down tightly to prevent slippage.
Spooling the Line onto a Spinning Reel
Spooling a spinning reel correctly focuses on preventing line twist, which occurs because the reel’s bail wraps the line onto a stationary spool. The supply spool must be oriented so the line comes off in the same direction as the bail rotation to counteract this twisting. A common method is placing the supply spool on the floor with the label facing up, allowing the line to peel off in coils matching the reel’s winding direction.
Consistent tension is necessary to ensure the line packs tightly and evenly onto the spool, preventing loose coils that lead to tangles. Tension can be applied by running the line through the pages of a book or by having a helper hold a pencil through the supply spool’s center.
After winding a few turns, test the orientation by letting a short section of line hang loose; if it twists or coils excessively, the supply spool needs to be flipped over. Winding should be done at a moderate speed, keeping the line taut.
Stop filling the spool when the line is approximately one-eighth of an inch from the spool’s outer lip. Overfilling is a common mistake that causes the line to jump off the spool in large loops during a cast, resulting in a tangled mess. Correctly filling the spool ensures the line stays contained until it is pulled off smoothly.
Spooling the Line onto a Baitcasting Reel
The process for a baitcasting reel differs significantly because the reel’s spool rotates to take up the line, eliminating the twisting issue inherent to spinning reels. The supply spool should be positioned so the line comes off the top and goes directly onto the top of the reel spool. This parallel orientation ensures the line is loaded without introducing any twist.
Tension is applied by pinching the line between the thumb and forefinger, or by using a damp cloth to maintain a firm grip. This tension creates a tight, uniform layer of line on the spool, preventing the line from digging into itself under pressure. Unlike a spinning reel, the line must also be manually guided back and forth across the spool during winding.
The thumb is used to distribute the line evenly across the spool’s width, ensuring a flat and level lay. Although most baitcasting reels have a level-wind mechanism, manual thumb guidance ensures the line is packed tightly and uniformly. The spool should be filled, leaving about one-eighth of an inch of the lip visible to prevent line overflow and resulting backlash during a cast.
Threading the Rod and Tying Terminal Tackle
With the line correctly spooled, the final step is running the line through the rod guides. The line is fed through the largest guide closest to the reel and then sequentially through every guide up to the rod tip. Skipping any guide will cause the line to slap against the rod blank during a cast, reducing distance and accuracy.
The line is then attached to the terminal tackle, which includes hooks, lures, or swivels. The choice of knot is determined by the type of line being used, as different materials react differently to knot stress. The Improved Clinch Knot is a reliable choice for monofilament and fluorocarbon lines, offering a high percentage of the line’s breaking strength.
For braided line, the Palomar Knot is preferred due to its strength and ease of tying with the slick material. This knot involves doubling the line and passing the loop through the hook eye, which helps distribute the stress across two strands. Tying a correctly formed knot ensures the connection to the lure is the strongest point in the system.