How to Spool Fishing Line on a Baitcasting Reel

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Baitcasting reels are used by anglers when fishing for both fresh and saltwater game fish species. Manufactured by several companies in different sizes, baitcast reels are used by occasional weekend anglers as well as seasoned professionals. When using a baitcast reel it is important to properly spool new line so that the reel will perform properly with as few line issues as possible. Taking the time to select and tie the correct knot and spool the line properly will help with the efficiency of the reel.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

Baitcast reel and matched rod
Monofilament fishing line
Scissors

Step 1

Pull the free end of the new fishing line through the rod tip and through each line guide along the length of the baitcast rod. Locate the small line guide located on the front of the baitcast reel.

Step 2

Thread the new fishing line through the line guide and around the spool of the reel. Look for a hole, or holes, on the spool of the reel for attaching the line. Thread the line through the hole in the spool if available, and if not pull the line around the spool. Pull 6 to 7 inches of the free end of the line past the spool in either case.

Step 3

Connect the line to the spool with an arbor knot (see Resources). Wrap the free end of the line around the main line forming a loop. Tie an overhand knot with the free end of the line closing the loop around the main line. Tie another overhand knot below the first knot using only the free end of the line.

Step 4

Pull the knots tight against the spool so the line does not slip when the spool is turned. Trim the excess line from the free end with scissors.

Step 5

Apply tension to the main line between the reel and the first line guide. Turn the handle of the reel to begin winding line onto the reel. Maintain at least slight tension to the line as it winds. Fill the spool as recommended by the manufacturer or, as a rule of thumb, fill it to within 1/4 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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