How to Spool a Baitcast Reel

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.

Article Written By Isaac Billings

Residing in northern Michigan, Isaac Billings began writing in 2009, with articles appearing on eHow, Trails and Run.com. A wilderness EMT-paramedic and wilderness instructor, Billings enjoys writing about the outdoors, running, health and nutrition. He holds an Associates of Applied Science in emergency medicine from North Central Michigan College.

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