How to Set Up a Fishing Rod & Line

boy with a fishing rod two image by Paul Moore from <a href='http://www.fotolia.com'>Fotolia.com</a>

Every angler should know how to set up a rod, reel and line. Although it may be a bit complicated, it is not only a necessary task, but it is not as difficult as it may seem at first. With some basic understanding and instruction it is easy to set up a fishing rod and line.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Step 1

Identify the sections of the rod, if it is not a one-piece rod, and determine how the sections fit together. Slide one section straight onto another section. Turn the sections slightly to the side to align the line guides and lock the rod sections together.

Step 2

Loosen the locking ring on the reel seat of the fishing rod. Turn the adjustable lock ring to raise or lower the ring along the reel seat. Place the fishing reel on the reel seat and slide it completely against the lock ring that is stationary. Tighten the adjustable lock ring until the reel is held firmly in place.

Step 3

Position a filler spool of fishing line in front of the rod tip. With the line coming off the top of the spool, turn the edge of the spool toward the rod when filling a baitcast rod. Turn the filler spool with the label or back of the spool facing the rod when filling a spinning reel. Position the spool so that the line comes off the top in the same direction that the spinning reel turns to reduce line twist.

Step 4

Feed the line through the rod tip and down through the line guides. Open the bail of a spinning reel or feed the line through the line guide on the front of a baitcast reel. Wrap the line around the spool with 6 to 8 inches of line extending past the spool.

Step 5

Secure the line to the spool of the reel with an Arbor knot. Form the knot by tying the first of two over hand knots. Tie the first over hand knot with the loop of the knot passing around the main line. Tie the second over hand loop using only the free end of the line. Pull both knots tightly against each other and continue pulling to lock the line against the spool of the reel.

Step 6

Close the bail of the spinning reel, if necessary, and hold the line with your hand between the reel and the first line guide. Apply slight tension to the line as you begin to turn the handle of the reel and wind line onto the spool. Fill the spool as directed by the manufacturer or until it is filled to within 1/4 inch of the spool edge. Cut the line free from the filler spool with scissors.

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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