How to Set a Fishing Line

Rigging your rod and reel for a day of fishing gives you a few minutes to contemplate your strategy on the water. Perhaps you are fishing a new lake for the first time or a coastal waterway where a river flows into a bay. Each presents different challenges that you can consider while threading your line through the rod and deciding which lure to present to your fist catch of the day.
Like riding a bicycle, after you have rigged a fishing line a few times, you'll never forget how to set up your gear.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

Rod and reel spooled with fishing line
Tackle and lures
Bait
Fishing license

Step 1

Assemble the fishing rod by inserting the smaller closed-end piece into the open end of the large piece with the handle and reel seat.

Step 2

Align the line guides as you push the two sections together firmly but not too tightly.

Step 3

Mount the reel on the rod by sliding the front reel foot under the rod seat on the forward section of the handle, then slide the rear seat over the rear rod foot.

Step 4

Tighten the locking nut clockwise behind the rear rod seat to secure the reel.

Step 5

Peel off enough line from the reel to reach the rod tip, then thread the line through each of the wire rod guides starting with the guide nearest the reel. Do not wrap the line around the fishing rod; it should run straight through the guides and out the tip.

Step 6

Tie a swivel to the end of your main line, then tie a leader or snelled hook to the other end of the swivel.

Step 7

Tie an artificial lure to the end of the leader or bait the snelled hook.

Step 8

Clip a plastic bobber to your mainline about two feet above a hook when fishing bait suspended in the water. Otherwise, attach an egg sinker about two feet above the baited hook for bottom fishing.

Step 9

Cast the line into the water, pointing the rod tip at your target as you release the line.

Tips & Warnings

Carry your fishing license with you at all times on the water.

Keep only regulation-size fish and keep only what you intend to eat.

Article Written By James Clark

James Clark began his career in 1985. He has written about electronics, appliance repair and outdoor topics for a variety of publications and websites. He has more than four years of experience in appliance and electrical repairs. Clark holds a bachelor's degree in political science.

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