How to Add New Fishing Line to a Spool

All images and illustrations by Daniel Ray

Fishing line takes a lot of abuse. As the connection between angler and fish, fishing line is stretched, twisted, bent and abraded. The effects of the sun and heat will break down fishing line, too. Amazingly, line can handle this torture test for a while, performing as it was designed. Because of these conditions, however, it's important that your line be inspected and changed on a regular basis. Don't hesitate to change the line if you are in doubt about its integrity. Line is cheap compared to all the money spent whenever you go fishing.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

New spool of line Nail clippers
New spool of line
Nail clippers

Step 1

Push the bail forward until it locks open. Strip all old line off the reel. Recycle the old line, if possible.

Step 2

Check rod guides for wear and tear. Ensure the reel is in good, serviceable condition.

Step 3

Thread the new line through the rod guides. Pull enough line through the guides so there is slack to fasten the line to the spool. Use a three-turn Uni Knot to tie the line.

Step 4

Uni Knot.

Craft a Uni Knot by first running 8 inches of line around the spool. Form a loop with the tag end and make three turns around the doubled line. Pull until the knot is snug against the spool. Trim tag end with clippers.

Step 5

Ensure the new line comes off the spool in the direction opposite of the bail's rotation. Turn the spool of new line over to the correct end.

Step 6

Use your thumb and forefinger to apply tension to the new line while you reel. Fill the spool to the desired level. Clip off the line and attach a hook or lure.

Tips & Warnings

Do not throw old line overboard. It is an environmental hazard.

Resources

Article Written By Daniel Ray

Daniel Ray has been writing for over 15 years. He has been published in "Florida Sportsman" magazine. He holds an FAA airframe and powerplant license and FCC radiotelephone license, and is also a licensed private pilot. He attended the University of South Florida.

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