The Complete Guide: How to Put Fishing Line on a New Reel Like a Pro

How to Put Fishing Line on a New Reel

Gone are the days of tangled lines and frustrating fishing experiences. One crucial step in ensuring a successful fishing trip is properly spooling your new reel with high-quality fishing line. Whether you’re an experienced angler or just starting out, this comprehensive guide will provide easy-to-follow instructions on how to put fishing line on a new reel correctly.

1. Gather the Necessary Tools and Materials

Before diving into the process, it’s essential to collect all the tools and materials you’ll need:

• A new reel (with an empty spool)
• Fishing line suitable for your targeted fish species
• A pair of scissors or a line cutter
• Clean cloth or paper towel for cleaning purposes
• An extra set of hands (optional but helpful)

2. Prepare Your New Reel for Spooling

Prior to attaching the fishing line, it’s vital to prep your new reel properly:

1. Cleaning: Carefully wipe down your new reel using a clean cloth or paper towel. This ensures that any dust or debris won’t interfere with its performance.
2. Check User Manual: If available, refer to the user manual accompanying your reel model. It may contain valuable information specific to your brand and help streamline the setup process.

3. Choose Suitable Fishing Line

Selecting adequate fishing line depends on various factors such as intended fish species, location, weather conditions, and personal preference.

1. Line Type: Different fishing lines, such as monofilament, fluorocarbon, or braided line, possess unique characteristics. Research and choose the most suitable line type for your target species and fishing style.
2. Line Weight (lb test): The appropriate pound test depends on the size and strength of the fish you anticipate catching. Consult local experts or fellow anglers if you’re unsure about the recommended weight for your area.

4. Attach Line to Reel’s Spool

To begin spooling your new reel:

1. Tie an Arbor Knot: This knot connects the mainline to your reel’s spool effectively. Start by passing one end of the line through the spool’s arbor hole. Then make an overhand knot around both parts of the line before tightening it securely.

   5. Wind Line onto Reel

   Carefully winding your chosen fishing line onto a new reel is crucial for optimal performance during actual angling:

   1. Buddy System: If possible, find someone willing to lend a helping hand during this process. They can hold tension on their hands while you wind the line onto your reel evenly.
   2. Facing Correct Direction: Avoid any potential issues by ensuring that fresh fishing line unwinds in a counter-clockwise direction when looking at its filler side.
   3. Start Slowly: Gently rotate your rod handle clockwise to wrap fishing line around the empty spool tightly but not too tightly as it may cause tangling issues later on.

   6.Trim Excess Line and Secure

   After winding your fishing line correctly, it’s essential to trim any excess and secure the line onto your reel:

   1. Cut Line: Using a pair of scissors or a line cutter, carefully cut the fishing line. Leave an appropriate amount of tag end (around 1/8 inch) to prevent slippage.
   2. Tie Off End: Create a simple overhand knot using the remaining tag end. This step ensures that your freshly spooled line won’t come undone during casting or retrieving.

   7. Test Your Set-Up

   To ensure everything is working smoothly before you hit the water:

   1. Line Retrival: Crank on your reel handle slowly while observing how well the new fishing line sits on the spool and whether there are any signs of twisting or tangling.

   In Conclusion

   A properly spooled new reel with high-quality fishing line is key to maximizing success during your angling adventures. By following these step-by-step instructions, you’ll be well-equipped with modern techniques for putting fishing line on a new reel efficiently. Remember to always consult user manuals when available and adjust specific steps based on individual equipment specifications. Happy fishing!