How Do I Add Line to an Open-Face Fishing Reel?

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Many terms are associated with fishing reels, including open-face and closed-face. "Closed-face reels" typically refer to spincast reels that feature a metal or plastic dome shaped cover over the spool. "Open-face reels" are commonly considered to be spinning reels with a metal bail wire crossing the spool that picks up and evenly winds the line on the spool. Adding line to an open-face, or spinning, reel is a basic process that most anglers should learn.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

Monofilament fishing line
Scissors or snips

Step 1

Open the wire bail of the open-face spinning reel by pulling it back to the side. Pull the bail wire to the side until it locks securely in place in the open position so that you can access the spool.

Step 2

Pull the free end of the line from the filler spool and feed it through the rod tip toward the length of the rod. Pull the line down through each line guide until you reach the spool.

Step 3

Pull the line around the spool of the reel so that 6 or 7 inches of the free end of the line extends past the spool.

Step 4

Attach the line to the spool with an Arbor knot that consists of two overhand knots. Tie an overhand knot by crossing the line to form a loop and pull the free end through the loop. Tie the first overhand knot with the free end of the line so the loop of the knot passes around the main line. Tie the second overhand below the first knot. Tie the knot using only the free end of the line.

Step 5

Moisten the knots with water or saliva and pull them down tightly against each other. Continue pulling the main line so that the knots lock securely against the spool.

Step 6

Hold the line in front of the reel to apply tension and begin turning the handle of the reel. Wind line onto the spool until it is filled to within 1/4 inch of the edge of the spool. Measure 3 to 4 feet of line from the tip of the rod and cut the line free from the filler spool with scissors or snips.

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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