Trails » Fishing » Fishing Reels & Line » Change Fishing Line » How to Change the Line in a Fishing Reel

How to Change the Line in a Fishing Reel

How to Change the Line in a Fishing Reel
There are several reasons why a fisherman may have to change his line. The line may be frayed in places from use or weakened after being exposed to the elements over time. Water and sunlight can combine to cause fishing lines to deteriorate, precipitating the need to change it. An angler may simply desire to upgrade her line or want to have more line on her reel than she had before.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

How to Change the Line in a Fishing Reel

Things You’ll Need:
  • Rod and reel Scissors New spool of fishing line Screwdriver Snap swivel Plastic bag
  • Rod and reel
  • Scissors
  • New spool of fishing line
  • Screwdriver
  • Snap swivel
  • Plastic bag
Step 1
Knot your old line to a tree in your yard or in an area where you have plenty of room. Flip the button on your reel, which lets the reel spin backwards and forward so that the line can come off your reel as you walk away from where it is fastened.
Step 2
Walk away from the tree, allowing your line to unspool from your reel. Once you have reached the point where the line is all off your reel, cut the line where it is tied to your reel and collect all the old line. Snip it into little bits with your scissors, and secure it in the plastic bag for disposal.
Step 3
Take your new spool of line and thread the end into and down your rod guides. Start from the top one and pass the line cleanly through each until you have reached where your reel is mounted.
Step 4
Open the bail on your reel and use an arbor knot to tie the new line around your reel. Close the bail and take some of the new line and wrap it around the reel five times. Once you turn the reel's handle, it will spool the line around your reel without the line slipping.
Step 5
Put down your reel at the exact spot that marks as far as your old fishing line reached. Take the spool of new line, poke the screwdriver through its center, and walk to the tree where the old line was bound. Tie the new line onto the tree, walk back to your reel, and reel in as you walk towards the tree, spooling your new line onto the reel.
Step 6
Cut the new line when you reach the tree and tie a snap swivel onto its end. Reel in any slack, and connect the open snap swivel to any of your rod guides. You have completed the changing of your fishing line.

Article Written By John Lindell

John Lindell has written articles for "The Greyhound Review" and various other online publications. A Connecticut native, his work specializes in sports, fishing and nature. Lindell worked in greyhound racing for 25 years.

Write for Trails.com

  • Editor's Pick

    Backcountry Camping Tips

    Backcountry Camping Tips

    You've already tried car and RV camping. You've camped at commercial campsites that had a convenient restroom and water supply. Now, you want to explore the road less traveled. Backcountry camping, also known as primitive camping, is a wonderful way to explore the remote...

    More Backcountry Camping...

  • Popular Article

    Beach Camping Near Pismo Beach, California

    Beach Camping Near Pismo Beach, California

    Pismo State Beach, California, has many attractions and activities including camping, swimming, hiking and wildlife viewing. Birdwatching is one of the primary activities in the area. The park also has the largest over-wintering colony of monarch butterflies in the natio...

    More Beach Camping...

  • Featured Video

    Common Sense Hiking Tips

    Common Sense Hiking Tips

    The first and most fundamental thing is never hike alone. There are too many situations, especially as an unexperienced hiker, where you may find yourself without anyone to help you. So the buddy system works and applies very much in hiking.

    More Camping Basics...

Outdoor Gear & Equipment

ALL NEW Trails Gear Store powered by:

Trail Finder

US Map

Search by Keyword