How to Fill a Spool With Berkley Fireline

Fishing Reel image by Christopher Meder from Fotolia.com

Fireline is part of the superline of fishing lines produced by the Berkley Company that also includes Braid, Gorilla Tough and Big Game. Fireline is a fused braid line that is divided into the Original Fireline and Fireline Crystal lines. Abrasion resistance, small diameter, casting ease and durability are only a few attributes associated with Fireline. The original Fireline is available in smoke gray and bright green, while Crystal is offered in translucent clear making it almost undetectable underwater.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

Rod and matched reel (spinning or casting)
Berkley Fireline (original or Crystal)
Monofilament fishing line
Scissors

Step 1

Select a monofilament fishing line that closely matches the diameter of the Fireline you will be using. The diameter-to-pound test ratio of Fireline will be different than that of monofilament. For example, 20 pound test Fireline has the same diameter of 8 pound test monofilament. Used as a backing, attempt to match the diameter of the mono to the Fireline.

Step 2

Open the bail of a spinning reel or feed the free end of the monofilament through the line guide of a casting reel. Pull the line around the spool so that 6 to 7 inches of line extends past the spool.

Step 3

Attach the line to the spool with an arbor knot. Tie the knot by forming an overhand loop in the shorter free end of the line so that the loop passes around the main line. Form a second overhand loop below the first one, this time using only the free end of the line. Pull the knots down slowly against each other and continue pulling until the knots lock tightly against each other and the spool.

Step 4

Close the bail of a spinning reel and apply tension to the line in front of the reel. Turn the handle of either a spinning or casting reel slowly and continue to apply tension to the line as the line is wound onto the spool. Spool at least 25 yards of monofilament as a backing for the Fireline.

Step 5

Cut the monofilament free from the filler spool with a sharp pair of scissors. Connect the free end of the monofilament to the free end of the Fireline with a uni-to-uni knot. Tie this knot by overlapping the two lines for 8 inches. Hold the doubled lines securely and turn the free end of the monofilament down and back to form a loop along the doubled lines.

Step 6

Wrap the free end of the monofilament fishing line around the doubled lines and through the loop you just formed making four turns. Moisten the knot and slowly pull the knot down tight around the Fireline. This completes one of the uni knots. Repeat the process this time using the Fireline to make the loop and turns. Pull the knot down securely and then pull the uni-to-uni knot tight so that both knots lock against each other. Closely trim the free ends of the knots with sharp scissors so that the free ends extending from the knots are no longer than 1/8 inch long.

Step 7

Apply tension to the line as before and turn the handle of the reel to wind the line onto the spool. Fill the spool to just a little more than three-quarter full. Do not fill the spool completely as this can contribute to backlash or bird's nests.

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.

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