How do I Start the Line on a Fishing Reel?

Fishing Reel image by Christopher Meder from <a href='http://www.fotolia.com'>Fotolia.com</a>

Anglers must occasionally start a new line on a fishing reel. Starting a new line involves attaching the line to the spool using the correct knot. By using the correct knot, you will connect the line to the spool of the reel and secure it against the reel so the line does not slip around the spool while fishing. Learning to start a new line is an essential part of learning to fish.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

Spinning or baitcast reel
Monofilament fishing line
Scissors

Step 1

Prepare for to start a new line on a reel by opening the bail of a spinning reel or removing the front cover of a spincast reel. Feed the free end of the monofilament fishing line through the line guide of a baitcast reel if necessary.

Step 2

Tie an Arbor knot by pulling 6 to 8 inches of line around the spool of the reel. Form a simple overhand loop with the free end of the line. Form the loop so that it passes around the main line. Tie a second over hand loop using only the free end of the line.

Step 3

Moisten both overhand knots slightly and pull the knots tightly against each other. Continue to pull the knots until they are securely locked against the spool of the reel. Place the front cover on a spincast reel or close the bail on a spinning reel.

Step 4

Turn the filler spool so the edge or side of the spool faces the reel with the line coming off the top. Position a filler spool so that line comes off the spool from the top and in the direction that the line is wound onto the spool.

Step 5

Apply tension to the new line as you begin to spool it onto the reel. Continue winding line onto the reel until it is filled to within 1/4 to 1/2 inch of the spool edge.

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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