How to Use a Spinning Fishing Reel

Spinning reels are used when fishing for a variety of fish species in both fresh and salt water. Typically considered a step above spin cast reels in difficulty, spinning reels are moderately easy to use and can be mastered by most in a short period of time. A spinning reel consists of the main reel body with a spool located on the front. A bail wire and roller are attached in front of the reel which aid in winding the line. A reversible handle is located on the side of the reel which, when turned, causes the fishing line to be wound on the reel.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

Spinning rod Spinning reel Mono-filament or similar line
Spinning rod
Spinning reel
Mono-filament or similar line

Step 1

Wind appropriate sized fishing line onto the reel. Open the bail of the reel by pulling it to the side and use an arbor knot to attach the line to the spool. Close the bail and turn the handle to wind line onto the spool. Follow the manufacturers recommendation for amount of line.

Step 2

Position the roller and bail wire control of the reel so that it is located at the top of the spool and near the rod. Turn the handle of the reel to rotate the roller and bail to this location.

Step 3

Pickup the line from the reel with the fore finger of the hand holding the rod. Position the line between the finger and handle of the rod so that it does not move.

Step 4

Open the bail of the reel which will allow the line to freely unwind off the spool. Holding the line with the fore finger will prevent the line from freely un-spooling.

Step 5

Bring the rod back to the side and then forward again. As the rod approaches the direction in which the lure should go, release the fore finger and allow the line to un-spool.

Step 6

When the lure reaches the water, close the spool manually or by turning the handle of the reel. Retrieve the lure by turning the handle in a forward motion.

Tips & Warnings

Practice with a rubber plug or old lure with no hooks. Aiming at circular objects on the ground such as hoo-la-hoop rings is good practice.

Take care when working with mono-filament lines and lures with sharp hooks.

Resources

Orvis Animated Knots

Article Written By Tara Dooley

Tara Dooley has written for various websites since 2008. She has worked as an accountant, after-school director and retail manager in various locations. Dooley holds a Bachelor of Science in business management and finance.

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