How to Change Line on a Zebco Bullet Reel

fishing poles image by Scott McCarty from Fotolia.com

Zebco bullet reels, night crawlers and forked sticks are a formula for fishing fun. Zebco bullet reels are many times the first reel used by youth and beginning anglers. Their simple design, durability and ease of use make the Zebco reels the go-to choice for many anglers, experienced and beginner. Reel maintenance is part of fishing and this includes changing the fishing line when it becomes worn or damaged. The Zebco bullet reel's design makes line-changing easy.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

Monofilament fishing line
Snips

Step 1

Press the spool release button on the rear of the reel. This will disengage the line pickup pin and allow the line to spool freely from the reel.

Step 2

Turn the front spool cover to the left to disengage and remove the cover by pulling straight out from the reel. Remove any old line from the reel; collect and dispose of properly in a fishing line recycling container.

Step 3

Pass the tag, or free, end of the new line through the hole in the middle of the spool cover. Wrap the line around the spool of the Zebco bullet reel so that 5 to 6 inches of line extend past the reel. Connect the line to the spool with an arbor knot.

Step 4

Tie the arbor knot by forming an overhand knot with the tag end so that the loop passes around the main line. Tie a second overhand knot below the first one toward the tag end of the line. Moisten the knot and pull down tightly. Trim any excess line from the tag end of the knot with a pair of snips.

Step 5

Attach the spool cover to the reel and apply tension to the line about 12 inches or so in front of the reel. Wind line onto the spool by turning the handle of the reel in a steady motion. Refer to the manufacturer's instructions for the amount of line to add to the reel. Typically, a Zebco bullet reel will hold about 100 yards of 8-lb. test.

Tips & Warnings

The amount of line a Zebco bullet will hold will vary based on the pound test line being used. The higher the pound test, the less line held on the reel.

Article Written By Keith Dooley

Keith Dooley has a degree in outdoor education and sports management. He has worked as an assistant athletic director, head coach and assistant coach in various sports including football, softball and golf. Dooley has worked for various websites in the past, contributing instructional articles on a wide variety of topics.

Editor's Pick

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

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

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...