How to String a Baitcast Fishing Reel

fish. fish called coy carp swimming in a pond image by L. Shat from <a href='http://www.fotolia.com'>Fotolia.com</a>

Baitcast reels are used for a variety of freshwater and saltwater fishing applications. Baitcast reels are constructed differently than spinning reels in that they do not contain a bail ring. Because fishing line is not passed under a bail ring during the spooling process, fishing line will spool off the reel spool at a 90-degree angle, which offers greater control and support when casting.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

Fishing rod and reel
Hooks
Lures and bait
Fishing weights

Step 1

Select a pound test that is within the maximum weight range of the fish species you want to catch. Pass the free end of your fishing line through the rod guide at the top of your fishing rod and work your way down to the last guide, located near the rod handle. Rod guides are small rings along the face of your fishing rod.

Step 2

Rotate your fishing line around the reel spool one full rotation. Loop the free end around your mainline three times and then thread it through the center of the loops. Pull the noose tight and trim the excess line behind the tag using a fishing line cutter.

Step 3

Spin your fishing line onto your reel spool using the reel handle. Sustain tension on your fishing line by holding the fishing line tight with your free hand. Fill the reel spool until the fishing line is within 1/4 inch of the reel spool's capacity.

Step 4

Pull a foot of line from the rod guide located at the top of your bait caster. Rig your line with hooks, weights and baits. Choose a rig set-up based on the fish species you're seeking.

Tips & Warnings

Bait varieties range from live to prepared and artificial.

Resources

Take Me Fishing: How to Hook Bait

Article Written By Charlie Gaston

Charlie Gaston has written numerous instructional articles on topics ranging from business to communications and estate planning. Gaston holds a bachelor's degree in international business and a master's degree in communications. She is fluent in Spanish and has extensive travel experience.

Editor's Pick

Backcountry Camping Tips

You've already tried car and RV camping. You've camped at commercial campsites that had a convenient restroom and water supply. Now, you want to explore the road less traveled. Backcountry camping, also known as primitive camping, is a wonderful way to explore the remote...
More Backcountry Camping...
Popular Article

Beach Camping Near Pismo Beach, California

Pismo State Beach, California, has many attractions and activities including camping, swimming, hiking and wildlife viewing. Birdwatching is one of the primary activities in the area. The park also has the largest over-wintering colony of monarch butterflies in the natio...
More Beach Camping...
Featured Video

Common Sense Hiking Tips

The first and most fundamental thing is never hike alone. There are too many situations, especially as an unexperienced hiker, where you may find yourself without anyone to help you. So the buddy system works and applies very much in hiking.
More Camping Basics...