How To Spool A Spinning Reel? (Tips To Put Line On A Spinning Reel)

Recently, fishing has become a popular pastime activity that several people have been attracted to. However, as an angler, whether amateur or professional, you might experience some frustrating fishing issues related to the spinning reel, which are discouraging you from enjoying this fantastic activity. 

Don’t freak yourself out yet, as we are here to resolve your fishing hassles. This article is a complete guide that will cover everything you need on how to spool a spinning reel successfully without tangles and twists. For skilled anglers, this should be helpful as you might pick up some valuable tips to speed up your spooling process.


Essential Know-How Before The Spooling Process

Before jumping into further details and a step-by-step guide to spooling a spinning reel, it is essential to pay attention to some crucial points regarding the technical know-how of the spooling process.

Importance Of Correct Spooling

Overall, understanding how to spool a spinning reel correctly plays a significant role in preventing you from several serious hassles such as line twists, line tangles, and loops during fishing.

When there is a mistake in the spooling process, you might encounter knots and lines being twisted full of tangles, which frustrates you. Nevertheless, if things are done correctly, you would have more time enjoying fishing and spend less time untangling those twists and loops. That could lead to a more satisfying fishing journey.

Structure Of A Spinning Fishing Reel

A standard spinning fishing reel includes three principal parts: a handle, spool, and bail. It is crucial to know where these three parts are located on a fishing rod since it helps you control the spooling process.

First, let’s explore the handle. It is known to be a rotating part of the reel and most anglers add tensions through their hands to rotate the spool and start reeling. 

The spool is next to the experiment. This part is the place where the fishing line is held. It is thought to be made of graphite or anodized aluminum. 

The last crucial part is known to be the bail. Its primary function is to release the fishing line for fishing along with keeping it in place. This is a semi-circular part that is stuck with the primary body of the reel.

Related post: 8 Essential Parts Of A Spinning Reel (A Newbie Guide)

List Of Must-have Tools

When you have already read the spinning reel’s line capacity, you can start the next step by collecting all the necessary gears required for the spooling process. These items are listed here:

  • Monofilament fishing line 
  • Fishing rod
  • Spinning reel
  • Braided fishing line (not mandatory)

Once everything is ready to piece together, you can begin the spooling experience.

How To Spool A Spinning Reel: Step-by-step Guide

Step 1: Selecting The Appropriate Fishing Line

You need to choose a line that suits your needs because the different fishing lines, when used, will create various activities.

  • Monofilament: this is a single line with many stretches, flexible and flexible, suitable for float use, and ideal if you use jigs or live bait. Typically monofilament has a shelf life of about 2-3 years because this type of line is sensitive to sunlight. 
  • Fluorocarbon: this line should be used in shallow and calm waters as they are hard to see underwater. They have lower elongation and better wear retention. This line is also considered a monofilament, so it is suitable for fishing with jigs or live bait in clear water. However, if you use it on average, it is also necessary to change the cord once or twice a year.
  • Braided lines: If you are fishing in the bottom water, choose braided lines. This type of line is braided by thin wires made of synthetic materials and has better strength, does not stretch, and does not break easily. However, you should note that it is visible and should be selective. The shelf life of braided lines is the same as that of fluorocarbons but can be slightly longer.

This is considered to be the most crucial step before the spooling experience. Unlike other fishing reels, such as baitcasting reels, most spinning reels are designed to work with lightweight lines and downsized lures. 

Hence, not all types of fishing lines can be compatible with spinning reels. This can be exemplified by heavier monofilament and fluorocarbon lines that do not generate great performances due to the large diameter of the line causing the spooled line to go off the reel spool when casting. 

It is highly advisable to double-check the type of reel in advance, leading to the best decision on your choice of fishing life. In the case of using a spinning reel for casting, a monofilament fishing line is greatly recommended as the reel can withstand the weight of the line.

Step 2: Open The Bail

When the specific line is selected for the reel, you can start by laying down the fish rod and opening the bail. This will ensure that your rod is balanced, which helps you begin your spooling experience correctly.

Step 3: String Your Line On The Spool

Once your pole is laid down, start stringing the monofilament line through the initial eyelet of the fishing rod. At the same time, it is recommended that you should pay attention to the way how the reel turns. Determine whether the reel turns clockwise or counterclockwise will ensure that there won’t be any future line tangles. 

The easiest way to do it is to turn the wheel around 2 to 3 times. Doing so will assure you that the fishing line will go in the same direction as the reel turns.

How To Spool A Spinning Reel Essential Tips For Beginner 1

When the fishing line is fed through the first eyelet, you can proceed to make an overhand knot at the end of the line. Then, the line is wrapped around the spool. Finally, to secure the line to the spool, you are supposed to make two overhand knots.

Step 4: Strip Off The Leftover Line

Be sure to cinch down the line onto the spool before trimming off the tail end of the fishing line by using a cutting tool such as a pair of clippers or a pair of scissors.

Step 5: Reel The Line Onto The Spool

After the fishing line is secured nicely to the spool, you can begin reeling by picking up your pole and shutting the bail. Ensure that you move your hands near the first eyelet of the fishing rod and create some tension by holding the line. While you are reeling, pay attention to the line, ensuring that it is releasing smoothly without any tangling hassles.

Step 6: Bring The Line Through The Eyelet

It is vital to continue reeling the line until the fishing rod gets sufficient line. It is recommended that there should be a one-eighth-inch space between the edge of the line and that of the spool reel. At that point, you can strip off the line and feed it through the rest of the pole.

How To Tie A Proper Knot On A Spinning Reel

It is critical to tie a correct knot to your reel after you’ve correctly picked the right fishing line for the type of fishing you’ll be performing.

Step 1: Begin by passing the line’s end through the rod guides and wrapping the tag end twice around the spool.

Step 2: Then, in the tag end, tie an over-hand knot, wrapping the knot around the mainline as it enters the reel spool.

Step 3: After that, tie an over-hand knot in the tag end and slide it down to just above the first knot.

Step 4: Trim the tag end such that 1/4 inch of the line stays above the second knot after securing the knot by tugging it tight; this excess line keeps the knot from coming loose.

Tips To Put The Line On A Spinning Reel

Putting the line on a spinning reel is relatively simple, so I strongly advise learning how to do it. This excellent skill will save you money if you know how to re-spool this equipment.

  • Tip 1: Load a sufficient amount of line onto your fishing reel. You must also use a fine line to keep your gear working correctly and avoid a mess when casting.
  • Tip 2: Allow more space for better casting to achieve the desired results. When adding a line, remember that you should keep the line tight.
  • Tip 3: When loading a fishing line onto a fishing reel, you must be careful not to pack too much line onto the reel. An excess fishing line can cause problems while fishing. The line will slip off the reel more frequently if the spool is overloaded.
  • Tip 4: An overloaded spool increases the likelihood of the reel becoming tangled in your fishing line.

Why The Amount Of Line You Put On A Reel Important

A spinning rod has line capacity, allowing you to use a little more fishing line on the reel. It also has an extra spool to help your line flow freely on the cast. As a result, changing your line while fishing on the water is simple. Fishing rods are made in various lengths, ranging from 6 feet to 15 feet, and even longer for fly fishing or shorter for surf fishing.

The length of your fishing rod and how you set it up will affect several things. At the same time, you’re fishing, most notably your casting distance and accuracy, as well as your hook setting technique depending on the hooks you’re using.

So, if your line is too long, it is difficult for you to cast any fish. Moreover, the longer your line is, the higher the chance of being twisted. So, make sure you will find a suitable length of the line. 

How Many Lines Should You Spool On A Spinning Reel?

It is entirely up to you which type of fishing reel you are currently using. Looking at it, you can tell how many lines your fishing reel can hold. Most fishing lines are sold in 150-yard and 300-yard spools, while most fishing rods are designed for casting distances of around 200 yards. Sometimes. You want to put on at least enough line so that you only have 1/8 to 1/4 inch left before it overfills the school.

How To Spool A Spinning Reel Without Line Twist

Many anglers simply spool their spinning reels by placing a pen or pencil on the line spool and reeling it up… This is the worst thing you can do since all you’re doing is generating “twists” in your lines, which you already know will come back to bite you. Instead, take these easy actions. You will be hassle-free if you follow these simple steps

Determine The Direction In Which Your Spinning Reel/Reels Spin/Reels

The line that emerges from the spool should be the same. Setting your new spool of cables down and labeling it is the simplest method.

Next, position your spinning reel over the top of your new line and slowly reel to identify the direction of the revolutions of your rotation.

Next, grab the line from your new spool of line and pull it to see if it comes off the spool in the same direction—if not, just flip or turn the spool to match the spinning movement of your reel. (Because it’s a bit difficult to grasp what I’m saying with only words, I’ve included a little video to assist…)

The Reel’s Broadside (Flat Side) Should Be Facing You

Stop spooling up with a pen or pencil! The simplest method is to have a friend hold the spool a little distance away from you as you spool up or just place the spool on the ground in front of you.

You should observe the line coming off the spool in the same direction as you reel. In essence, you’re guaranteeing that the strings are wound onto your reel the same way they were threaded onto the spool by the manufacturer, preventing line twists.

Avoiding Line Twists And Reel To Spool A Spinning Reel

  • While most spinning reels allow you to close the bail simply by turning the reel handle, get in the habit of manually closing it after each throw. This will ensure that the line stays in tight loops with no slack.
  • Never, ever if a fish is taking line and you’re concerned that it will break, loosen your drag until it slips properly, or back-reel to avoid cracking.
  • After each usage, apply a line conditioner to monofilament, copolymer, and fluorocarbon lines. Spray it on your guides in sub-freezing weather to keep them from becoming sharp ice.
  • When in doubt, switch lines. Because it’s your most direct line to the fish, respool if twist or memory limits casting distance or breaking strength. It’s affordable insurance against losing the fish of a lifetime, even on a premium line.

Frequently Asked Questions 

What Are The Drawbacks Of Using Too Much Line?

Using too many lines can lead to several issues. You might end up fixing things in the middle. This is not something you want to do as an angler. Wind knots are the most annoying of these issues, and dealing with them will be a considerable challenge. They’re nothing more than wind knots, but they’re more common and much more annoying with braided lines. So, while wind knot prevention can improve your fishing, it is not a perfect solution for anglers.

If you use too much line on your fishing reel, you will have a terrible wind knot experience.

What Happens If We Use A Heavier Line On A Reel?

Fluorocarbon and monofilament lines are heavier and, due to their large diameters, do not work well on fishing reels. When ready to cast, the spooled line will jump off the reel. In this case, you should choose a high-quality string with a pound test of less than 10 or 12 pounds, depending on the spinning reel size.

You will learn by trial and error how many lines you need to put on your fishing reel. With a braided line, you can get enough capacity and drag to fish with a heavier line.

Do We Need To Check And Change Fishing Charges Periodically?

Periodic inspection and regular wire replacement play an essential role but are overlooked by many. Some anglers will encounter a case when the fish bites the fishing line and breaks the line due to using it for too long. The rope breaks for various reasons, including prolonged exposure to high temperatures, prolonged exposure to sunlight, which reduces its durability, and scratched wire caused by cutting into reefs and underwater logs.

Test your line by simply running the line between your two fingers. If you suddenly feel any cuts or kinks, cut them off and tie them back up. All fishing lines are always in need of replacement, even premium lines. During use, fishing lines dry and then wet; over time will wear and crack.

Conclusion

Our quick walk-through on spooling a spinning reel, alongside essential know-how about spooling process, is eventually here for you to examine.

If you have been either a constant angler or an amateur one who tends to face similar fishing hassles mentioned above, you must walk through this entire post. It promises to offer you some fantastic tips which assist you in spooling the reel in the right way.

From now on, spooling a reel will not be considered to be a stressful task. Just fish with a great sense of confidence as we are here to help take your fishing troubles out of your fishing tackle.