How to Set Up a Fishing Rod and Reel

If you're new to fishing, you may not know how to set up a rod and reel. It entails attaching the reel to the rod, spooling the reel with fishing line, and then tying on whatever fishing tackle you wish to use. It's easy and can be accomplished in minutes.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

Rod Reel Spool of fishing line Scissors Hook or lure
Rod
Reel
Spool of fishing line
Scissors
Hook or lure

Step 1

Attaching reel to rod

Attach the reel to the rod. On the handle of the rod you will notice what anglers call the reel seat. The indented area is where the reel sits. Unscrew the O-ring or movable portion of the handle that holds the reel in place. Slip the reel foot into the seat, then tighten the ring or moving piece until the reel is snug.

Step 2

The top rod guide

Take a spool of fishing line and place it on the ground in front of you. Pass the end of the line through the top guide on your rod and through the remaining guides in succession. Open the bail on your reel and tie the line around the reel spool with an arbor knot.

Step 3

Flip the bail shut. Slowly begin to turn the handle of your reel. To get the line started around the reel spool you might need to wrap it around by hand a few times.

Step 4

Fill within 1/8 inch of the lip

Take a dry cloth in the hand you are not using to turn the handle of the reel. Hold the rod and the incoming line in this hand, using the cloth to protect your hand. Reel in line from the spool on the ground while keeping tension on the line with the clothed hand. Keep reeling until you have filled your reel with line within 1/8th of an inch from the lip on the reel's spool.

Step 5

Cut the line from the spool on the ground once the reel is full. Take a hook or lure and tie it onto your line with a clinch knot. Attach the hook to any one of the rod guides to prevent it from catching on anyone or anything.

Resources

How to Tie Fishing Knots

Article Written By John Lindell

John Lindell has written articles for "The Greyhound Review" and various other online publications. A Connecticut native, his work specializes in sports, fishing and nature. Lindell worked in greyhound racing for 25 years.

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...