How to Put Line On a Spinning Reel?

Fishing is a great way to relax and unwind. However, if you find yourself wasting precious fishing time because your line always gets twisted and tangled, then keep reading!

There are many fishing methods and techniques, such as shore fishing, ice fishing, and fly fishing, all of which require proper placement of the fishing line on the reel to ensure a successful catch.

If not done properly, you will spend more time untwisting and winding the line than casting lures and catching fish.

For this reason, you must know how to place the line on fishing reels, particularly spinning reels.

Here are some help and tips on exactly how to do that.

Tangling When Loading a Fishing Line

The chances of tangling depend on the type of fishing line and reel, but are also affected by the correct positioning of the line on the fishing reel.

In regards to fishing lines, monofilament and fluorocarbon lines are more prone to twisting and knots because they possess a characteristic known as memory.

This means that the fishing line molds to the reel when it is loaded. Therefore, it will curl up and make it less manageable after time. However, braided lines have more abrasion resistance with no memory line, making it ideal for fishing.

Also, coiling is more likely to occur to monofilament lines than braided ones. But, the chances of coiling is associated with the quality of fishing lines. Thus, you should invest in high-quality lines to reduce the risk of curls and knots.

Additionally, spinning and spin casting reels are more prone to tangled lines than baitcasting ones because they have a fixed spool. This causes the line to twist as it wraps around the spool.

For this reason, you must load the fishing line properly on spinning reels to reduce the chances of knots and twisting.

Although their structure makes them more susceptible, what you want is to decrease the number of times you would untwist it while you fish.

Steps to Properly Load the Fishing Line

Fasten the Spinning Reel to the Fishing Rod

When you attach the spinning reel to the rod, you are able to load the line with fewer chances of twisting. Remember that monofilament lines are more prone to twisting and tangling.

Use the First Guide to Slide in the Fishing Line

Grab the edge of the line off the spool that it emerged from and place it towards the reel in the first guide. Usually, the first guide is larger and placed nearest to the spinning reel seat.

Release the Bail

Many inexperienced fishermen tend to omit this action and then get confused when the line doesn’t pick up the bail. Thus, you should always open the bail before attaching the line to the spool.

Connect the Fishing Line to the Spool

You must tie the line to the reel spool to create a secure grip. The best approach to do this is to bind the fishing line around the spool twice and later clamp it with a tight knot. Most anglers suggest the Arbor Knot because it fits snugly against the reel. You should also cut the leftover edges near the knot to avoid accidental tangles.

Other experts advise fastening a new line to the old one instead of removing it and loading the new line. It will save you an extra finishing line and time.

Curl the Line on the Spinning Reel

Once connected, remember to close the bail and carefully flip the handle. When you begin to wind it, the bail will load the fishing line in balanced wraps around the spool. Do not wind it all the way because you have to make sure that the line spool is in the correct alignment.

Place the Line Spool in the Right Direction

In a spinning reel, the line must appear with the face of the spool towards you. Also, remember that the line must not run straight off the spool, or it will twist. It is hard to express if it best to do it clockwise or counterclockwise. Therefore, it is recommended to use your body position.

Stand upright and hold the rod equidistant to the floor while positioning the spool in front of you. This way, you can wind the spinning reel while applying a bit of pressure on the line.

If you do it correctly, the remaining line will spread on the floor without creating tensed loops or coils. However, if the coils are twisted, you must redo the process again.

Load all the Line on the Reel Spool

Continue to apply pressure as you crank the line inside the reel. Once you have about an inch of the line from within the lip spool, you can thread it and tie a lure. Patience and consistency are key!

It might sound confusing, but it is actually simple if you take your time loading the line. The first few times might take more than 20 minutes or an hour to properly wind. But afterward, you will be an expert and do it in seconds. Through practice and following safety precautions, you will enjoy the fishing experience to the fullest!

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