How to Re-Spool a Zebco 404 Reel

As any avid angler knows, having fresh fishing line on your reel increases casting performance as well as reducing the tangles that are caused by old, rotted line. Changing the line on your reel should be done every 1-3 months, depending on how often you go fishing. Putting fresh line on the popular Zebco 404 fishing reel isn't difficult.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Spooling the Reel

Things You’ll Need:

Zebco 404 fishing reel
Pen or pencil
Spool of fishing line

Step 1

Remove the old line on the Zebco 404 reel by pressing the release button with your thumb and pulling off the old line. Make sure to get all the line off the spool by unscrewing the top portion of the reel to inspect the spool. Give the spool a quick visual inspection for any nicks or burrs.

Step 2

With the front cover of the reel removed, place the end of the fresh fishing line through the hole in the front cover. Make a loop knot in the line so it is large enough to fit over the spool. Tighten the loop knot so the line is tight to the spool, and replace the front reel cover of the reel.

Step 3

Place a pen or pencil through the hole in the spool of fishing line and have someone hold each end of the pen or pencil in order to keep the spool from slipping off.

Step 4

Begin to reel the line onto the spool. Maintain light tension on the line with the thumb and forefinger of your off-hand. Stop reeling every 20 to 30 turns of the reel handle in order to check the spool to see how full it is. Keep a gap of at least 1/4 inch between the line and the top of the spool when finished.

Step 5

When the spool is full, cut the main line and string that end of the line through the guides of the fishing rod. Now you are ready to go fishing.

Tips & Warnings

Run the spool of the reel under warm water when you are through spooling the reel. This will help tighten the line on the spool, which will cause fewer tangles.

Do not overfill the spool with line; this will cause severe tangles and line twist when casting.

Resources

Fishing.com

Article Written By Brian M. Kelly

Brian M. Kelly has been freelance writing since 2003. His work has been published in respected outdoor magazines such as Outdoor Life, Great Lakes Angler and Salmon Trout Steelheader. He holds an associate's degree in automated machine design from Macomb College.

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