How to Thread a Line on an Open-Reel Fishing Pole

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

An open-reel fishing pole is also commonly referred to as a spinner rod-and-reel combo. Used to catch fish such as bass, trout and sunfish, open reels are easy to use, and it takes little time to equip them with fishing line. Change your fishing line once or twice a year; continuous strain placed on the line by dragging it over rocks and weeds will weaken it, increasing the chance it will break when you're fighting a fish.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

Roll of monofilament fishing line
Small stick
Pair of scissors

Step 1

Insert the stick securely into the ground outside, preferably in a patch of dirt.

Step 2

Fit the roll of fishing line over the stick and slide it to the ground. The stick will hold the roll in place but also allow it to spin freely.

Step 3

Tie the end of the fishing line around the barrel of the fishing reel using a noose-based knot, such as the arbor knot (see Resources).

Step 4

Spin the handle of the fishing reel as though you were bringing in a fish. The fishing line will wrap around the barrel; continue to spin the handle until the inside of the barrel is filled with line.

Step 5

Cut away the roll of fishing line with the scissors.

Step 6

Loosen the drag on the reel so you can pull some line free from the barrel. Thread the line through the guide loops along the length of the rod.

Tips & Warnings

If you're storing or transporting your fishing pole, lightly tie the end of the fishing line at the top of the pole around the smallest guide loop to prevent the line from becoming tangled.

Resources

Animated Knots: The Arbor Knot

Article Written By Jacob Hendriks

Jacob Hendriks' work has appeared in "The Western Front," "The Planet Magazine" and Trails.com. He graduated from Western Washington University with a major in international business management and a minor in Community Health. Hendriks' passion for sports nutrition and fitness, combined with experience as a personal trainer, has led him to pursue health-oriented journalism.

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