How do I Rig & Tie Fishing Lines?

fishing image by Terje Asphaug from <a href='http://www.fotolia.com'>Fotolia.com</a>

One of the steps that needs to be completed before heading out on a fishing trip is to rig your rod and reel with fishing line. It is important that the line is correctly rigged on the reel and rod so that it can stand up to the stress and load of a hooked fish. Take the time to learn how to properly rig your line and use some basic knots.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

Rod and matched reel
Scissors
Hook or lure

Step 1

Locate the free end of the fishing line on a filler spool. Feed the line through the rod tip and down through each line guide of the fishing rod.

Step 2

Connect the fishing line to your reel with an Arbor knot. Tie the knot by pulling 5 to 6 inches of the line around the spool of the reel. Wrap the free end of the line around the main line and then back across itself, forming a loop around the main line. Tie an overhand knot by passing the free end of the line through the loop, but do not pull the knot tight.

Step 3

Form a loop in the free end of the line below the first knot and tie a second overhand knot. Moisten both knots and pull on the main line to tighten the knots against each other and the spool.

Step 4

Trim the excess on the free end of the line to within 1/8 inch of the knot. Hold the line between the reel and first line guide and apply tension. Turn the handle of the reel to begin winding line onto the spool of the reel.

Step 5

Fill the spool with line to within 1/4 inch of the edge of the spool. Avoid overfilling the spool with line as this can potentially cause problems when casting. Measure 3 to 4 feet of line from the tip of the rod and cut it free from the filler spool with a pair of scissors.

Step 6

Attach a hook or lure to the end of your fishing line using a Palomar knot. Tie the knot by forming a loop in the free end of the line 4 inches from the end with the free end and main line doubled behind the loop.

Step 7

Feed the loop through the eye of the hook or lure and hold the loop in one hand and the doubled line in the other. Form an overhand knot using the loop and doubled line. Pull the loop down below the lure or bend of the hook and tighten the knot. Moisten the knot with saliva or water as it is pulled down tight against the eye of the hook or lure.

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...