How to Spool a Baitcast Reel

By Isaac Billings

Baitcast reels take some getting used to. They backlash and are moderately difficult to learn to cast. However, baitcast reels are durable, have strong drags and can improve your casting distance, making them worthwhile. One simple way to minimize possible trouble is to spool your line properly.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You'll Need:

Spool of fishing line
Baitcast reel
Baitcast rod
2 wooden blocks
Duct tape
Dowel or pencil

Step 1

Run the tag end of your line through the bottom guide on your rod, under the reel's spool, and back around to the top. Secure the line to the reel's spool with a simple overhand knot or slipknot. Pull the knot tight.

Step 2

Slide your dowel or pencil through the center of the spool of fishing line.

Step 3

Secure the dowel or pencil-ends to two wooden blocks using duct tape. The spool should be free-spinning between the blocks with the line running off the top of the spool.

Step 4

Slowly and steadily crank the line onto the reel's spool with one hand while gently pinching the line above the reel with the other hand, keeping the line tight. Spool on enough so that a little less than an eighth of an inch of the spool rim is showing, then trim the line.

About The Author

Residing in northern Michigan, Isaac Billings is just beginning his writing career and enjoys writing about the outdoors, health and fitness. Instructing since the age of 13, he holds a strong background in wilderness education. Already an EMT and wilderness first responder, Billings is continuing to pursue the medical field through college.

Editor's Pick

3 Main Types of Altitude Sickness

Some of the world's most noted tourist attractions, such as the Inca ruins of Machu Picchu, require visitors to ascend to high altitudes. Mountaineers, skiers and trekkers venture into ever higher locations in search of fresh adventure or untrampled destinations. The com...
More Mountain Climbing...
Popular Article

How to Repair Trekking Poles

Trekking poles can do wonders for relieving the stress of hiking on the back, knees and feet, particularly if you are carrying a backpack. Poles are suggested to be able to reduce up to 25 pounds of carried weight pressing down on your joints by transferring the load to ...
More Walking & Nature Walks...
Featured Video

Choosing Ski Types & Sizes

Learn how to find the right style and size of ski in this free beginner skiing lesson on video, with tips on how ski size affects speed and control.
More Alpine Skiing...