How do I Set Up a Saltwater Fishing Line?

Surf Fishing image by Julianna Olah from <a href='http://www.fotolia.com'>Fotolia.com</a>

Saltwater fishing offers great recreation for the entire family and is often easily accessible. Surf and pier fishing can put you right in the middle of the action and provide the opportunity to catch a wide range of game fish. Correctly setting up a saltwater line is especially important. The right knots should be used and correctly tied so that your line will perform when exposed to the rough conditions of the surf.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

Saltwater rod and matched reel
Monofilament fishing line
Braid fishing line
Scissors

Step 1

Pull several inches of monofilament fishing line around the spool of the reel you will be using for saltwater fishing. Use the monofilament line as a backing for braided line and attach it to the spool with an arbor knot. Form an overhand knot with the free end of the line so that the loop passes around the main line. Tie a second overhand knot below the first knot, using only the free end of the line to act as a stopper knot.

Step 2

Continue tying the arbor knot by pulling the knots down tight against the spool and continue pulling until they lock in place. Apply tension to the line in front of the reel, and wind 30 yards or so of monofilament line onto the spool. Cut the line free from the filler spool with scissors.

Step 3

Connect the monofilament backing line to the braided main line with a double uni knot. Form the double uni by overlapping the monofilament, and braid the line for 6 to 8 inches. Hold the lines securely in the middle where they cross. Turn the free end of the monofilament line under and back toward the middle forming a loop below the double lines. Wrap the free end of the monofilament around the double line and through the loop four times then pull the knot tight.

Step 4

Repeat the process with the free end of the braid line by turning the free end under and back, wrapping the doubled line with the free end of the braid and pulling the knot tight. Pull the main monofilament and braid main lines apart to snug the knots tightly against each other.

Step 5

Apply tension to the braid line in front of the reel and wind line onto the spool. Fill the spool to within 1/4 inch or so of the spool edge. Cut the braid line free from the filler spool using sharp scissors.

Tips & Warnings

Attach a fluorocarbon leader to the end of the braid line if desired using another double uni knot.

Trim the free ends of the lines extending from the double uni knot to within 1/8 inch of the knot using sharp scissors that can cut the braided line.

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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