Introduction
If you’re an avid angler, you know how important it is to have the right line on your spinning reel. The line is the crucial link between you and the fish and a bad line will not only ruin your day but also cost you the catch. Putting on a line can be tricky, but with just a little bit of patience and the right technique, you’ll be able to do it easily. In this article, we’ll provide a step-by-step guide to help you put line on your spinning reel like a professional.
Step-by-Step Guide
First things first, choose the type of line you want to use according to your fishing conditions. Once you have decided on the right type of line, it’s time to spool it onto your spinning reel. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you get started.
Step 1: Pull the Spool of Line Out
Start by taking the spool of line and pulling it out. The sequence in which you do this matters, as you want to make sure that you’re putting it from the top-down. The right way to do this is to keep the spool on its side with the label facing up. The end of the line should be facing the reel spool and feeding from the top of the spinning reel.
Step 2: Tie the Line to the Spool
Use a Palomar knot to tie the line onto the spool. This will make sure the knot is strong enough and the line won’t slip off. After this, trim the tag end to get rid of any extra line.
Step 3: Start Spooling
Start spooling the line by turning the handle slowly, the line will automatically wrap around the spool. Make sure that the line fills the spool evenly and doesn’t bunch up on one side. It’s important to keep up the constant tension while spooling to avoid loose loops in the line.
Step 4: Wrap the Line Tight
To avoid having loose line on the spool, make sure that the line is wrapped tight, around the spool. You can bring a towel or cloth to wrap around the line to stop it from slipping, or you could put the spool underneath something heavy to keep it in place.
Step 5: Fill the Spool
Make sure the spool is completely filled with the line up to ⅛ inch below the edge of the spool. This way you will have enough line to work with when you cast.
Tip: Always keep an eye on the spool to ensure that the line remains in the right place and that it’s not sliding off the stem.
Choosing the Right Line
Using an appropriate fishing line is necessary for the best fishing results. There are three types of fishing lines – monofilament, fluorocarbon, and braided lines. Let’s take a deeper look at each and understand the pros and cons:
Monofilament Line: Monofilament line is the most common type of line available in the market. It is cheaper compared to the other lines and is great for fishing in freshwater. However, it has a high visibility factor, low strength compared to the other two, and is more prone to breakage.
Fluorocarbon Line: It has a lower visibility factor and is more abrasion-resistant than monofilament. It is perfect for fishing in clear waters, shallow bays, or streams. Fluorocarbon lines are more expensive than other types, but their attributes justify their price.
Braided Line: Braided fishing lines have exceptional strength and sensitivity. They can be used for a wider range of fishing settings, from fishing in deep waters to near rocks and other structures. However, they are difficult to handle and tend to get knotted.
Once you have decided on the type of line you want to use, follow the same spooling steps mentioned above.
Using a Line Spooler
Using a line spooler is an easy and convenient way to fill your spinning reel with the line. You can use your foot or the palm of your hand to turn the crank, and the spooler will do the rest. Here are a few tips on using a line spooler to make it easier:
– Choose a line spooler that fits your reel’s spool size
– You can use a towel or cloth to wrap around the line both on the spool and outgoing line to help with the tension
– Make sure you are going through the line guides correctly
– Adjust the tension dial as needed
Best Practices
Here are some essential best practices to keep in mind when putting line on a spinning reel:
– Always make sure that the line is spooled under tension, or it’ll bunch up in loose loops
– Keep the line spool straight so that the line flows straight onto the reel
– When spooling a braided line, use a monofilament backing layer to provide a buffer against the spinning reel spool and stop slippage.
– If you don’t have a spool, keep the spool on the floor and bring the reel down to the spool.
– Always bring a cloth or glove to grip the line so it doesn’t cut your hand while spinning.
Alternative Methods
The Arbor knot and the Albright knot are some of the most commonly used methods for putting line on a spinning reel. Here is a brief rundown of each:
Arbor Knot: This is considered to be the simplest knot to tie the line to the spinning reel. To do this, you need to wrap the line around the spool and tie it off using a standard knot.
Albright Knot: This is a more complicated knot and is used to tie the line onto a backing line before attaching it to the reel. This knot works best in situations where the mainline is thinner than the backing line.
Conclusion
Putting line on a spinning reel may seem trivial, but it’s a fundamental skill for any angler. Hopefully, this guide has given you a clear understanding of how to spool your spinning reel and the various additional methods to do so.
Remember, the type of line you choose and how it’s spooled can affect your chances of catching a fish. Follow the steps mentioned in the article and the best practices to successfully spool your line. With the appropriate type of line and the right skills, you’ll reel the big one in no time.
Lastly, don’t forget to keep your line stored correctly to prolong its life.
