How to Replace Fishing Line on an Open Face Reel

Brian M. Kelly

Spinning or open face reels are used by anglers all over the world. As with any style of fishing reel, you will need to replace the line often to maintain peak performance. Spinning reels do require some special attention when it comes to replacing the line as these reels can add a significant amount of twist that turns the line into horrible knots if not properly managed.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Spooling the Reel

Things You’ll Need:

Spinning reel Spinning rod Spool of line
Spinning reel
Spinning rod
Spool of line

Step 1

Begin by laying the spool of line flat on the floor. Take the loose end of line and thread it through the first rod guide and tie it to the spool of the reel.

Step 2

Once the line is tightly knotted to the spool, turn the reel handle several turns to get some line on the spool of the reel.

Step 3

Pay attention to the loops of line coming off the spool of line; this is the most crucial step in the process. If the line is in tight coils and begins to twist, flip the spool of line over. Ideally, you want the line coming off the line spool in large, limp loops that do not twist.

Step 4

Once you have the line coming off the line spool properly, begin to turn the reel handle as this will get line going on the reel spool. Be sure to add tension with your thumb and forefinger to ensure the line is going on the reel tightly.

Step 5

As the reel fills up, be sure not to overfill the reel and leave a 1/8-inch gap at the top of the spool. Cut the line at the line spool, feed the remaining end through the rest of the rod guides and you are ready to fish.

Tips & Warnings

Use a line lubricant like Blackmore's Line Magic to increase casting distance and the life of the line.

Replace line on a spinning reel when it gets low on the spool and the line does not cast very far.

Resources

Berkley Fishing Line

Article Written By Brian M. Kelly

Brian M. Kelly has been freelance writing since 2003. His work has been published in respected outdoor magazines such as Outdoor Life, Great Lakes Angler and Salmon Trout Steelheader. He holds an associate's degree in automated machine design from Macomb College.

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