Putting a line on a reel is an essential part of your fishing trip as it helps you catch fish. However, for it to work effectively, you need to put it well on a reel. Knowing how to do this will help you save on time and cost since you can replace or put the fishing line yourself. Remember fishing lines consists of different materials with varying strength and each having their advantages and disadvantages. Read on and understand how to put a line in a reel. You’ll also know the different types of reels and fishing lines you can use.
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Types of Reels You Can Put A Line In
There are two main types of reels you can put a line in, the spinning or the fly reels. However, the most common type is the spinning reels which also comes in three different types. There’s the spin-cast which comes when completely sealed and all its parts inside under the cover. So, if you want to put the line, you have to pass it through a small opening. It’s the best reel for beginners or children since you only press a button at the back while casting, although it has challenges with accuracy and distance.
Another type of spinning reels is baitcasting which is never easy to use, so not suitable for beginners as the spool turns as you cast. If you don’t control it properly, the fishing line will twist. Baitcasting works best with heavy lines or lures and is accurate.
The most popular reel that many starters prefer is spinning since it’s easy to use and set up. Also, its line capacity is big enough to allow you to put long line reducing the frequency for putting the line. However, if you use it with heavy lines, its performance will reduce greatly. Putting a line on this kind of reel is easy as it has an open face.
What You Need to Consider Before Putting A Line in A Reel
Before putting new line on a spinning reel, the main thing you should check on the type of line you have. For example, there’s a monofilament fishing line, nylon that’s not twisted but with a single continuous filament. You can use it on spinning or bait caster reels. You can use this type of line in freshwater nearshore or off the pier. It’s suitable for both small and big native fish like salmon. If you’re fishing in a lake, opt for a lighter and sensitive line. But it’s not as strong as the other types and breaks down when overexposed to sunlight.
The other type you can put in a reel is the braided fish line that’s a synthetic plastic fiber like nylon. It’s stronger than the monofilament and good for fishing bigger fish species. You can use this line on salty water to catch fish like sharks or kingfisher.
With the fluorocarbon fishing line, which is also in a single strand but denser, you can use it while bottom fishing. It’s invisible, water-resistant and best used in calm water.
How You Should Put A Line on A Reel
After deciding on the type of fishing line, you want to use its time to put it in a reel. Follow the below steps to do this.
Putting a fishing line on a spinning reel
Wondering how to put fishing line on a spinning reel? Here’s a way to do it.
- First, take the reel and hold it the way you’d do while fishing. Then turn the wheel more than once to identify the direction it turns on, like clockwise or anti-clockwise. Not spooling it in the right direction will make it strip off while casting. To avoid this, put the spool in a direction that’ll make the line come off from the opposite side. This means if the reel spools the line clockwise, put the spool to allow the line to come off in an anti-clockwise direction.
- Then pass the fishing line through the ring that’s close to the reel seat.
- After that, you should open the bail wire. Do this by pushing the small handle up, but if you find old-line leftovers, discard them.
- You should then tie the line to the spool using an arbor knot. Ensure you leave some length on the line after the knot.
- Then close the bail again. Place the spool in a level area like on a table. Ensure the label is on the upper side. Also, the line has to come off the spool in a similar manner the spool will enter the reel.
- Using your thumb and index finger, grab the line using high pressure to avoid tangling if the line is loose. Hold it at least 30 centimetres higher and check for tangles or twists and remove them except the line from the spool, which you should align again. You should then crank the reel and allow the line to pass through your hand.
- Crank the reel gently as you wrap the line evenly to avoid twists that may require you to start the process again. Reduce the pressure too with time.
- Fill the spool while leaving 1/8 inch from the rim.
- Ensure you check if the line has twists before cutting it. Then cut the line and put your terminal tackle.
For the bait cast
- Pass the line through the eyelets.
- Then attach it to the spool.
- And then wrap it around the spool, tie it using an arbor knot.
- After that, you should start to spool. Apply pressure on the line to reduce tangles and start reeling.
- Check if there are any twists or tangles, and stop reeling when you’re 1/8 inch away from the rim.
- Finally, cut the extra line and seal it.
Putting a line on a spin cast
- To do this, first, remove the reel’s face.
- Then take away the leftover line.
- Push the line in the line guides at the top of the rod near the reel. Remember, the line guides are ring-like circles.
- Cover the line on the spool following the direction the reel is turning to.
- Fix the end tightly as it can unwrap.
- Then hold the line with enough pressure and fix it well.
- After that, you should crank the handle and check if there’s any twists or tangles. Take your time doing this to avoid repeating the process.
- Return the cover on and cut the line off.
Note that if you don’t know how to spool a reel correctly, it’ll result in tangles and twists, which is a common problem with monofilament lines. But also bait cast and spin cast have a similar problem.
What Amount of Fishing Line do You Put in A Reel?
Before going deeper on this topic, you should understand that excess or little fishing line will cause tangles and twists. But when putting a line, especially a new one, leave a 1/8-inch allowance before the rim. To answer the above question, you should know that every reel has guidelines on the amount of line it can handle. This also varies according to the line you have. But most of them measure between 150- and 300-yards spools. Most reel manufacturers suggest using the 200 yards.
How Long Does Fishing Line Last?
The duration your fishing line reel will take largely depends on the frequency you use, how it’s kept and the kind of pressure it undergoes. For monofilaments, they can take between 2 and 3 years. Fluorocarbon will last for at least seven years, while the braided fishing line can take a maximum of ten years.
However, it’s advisable to change your line yearly if you use it regularly. Remember, fishing lines are sensitive to light and have a shelf life of around three years. But if you notice any shortcomings or default on the line before this time, replace it with a new one. Don’t forget to dispose of old or used lines well to avoid polluting the environment. Store it in the right place with less sunlight and heat to make the lines last.
Final Thoughts
Putting fishing line in a reel is never easy, especially if you’re a beginner. To make your work easier, let someone do it on your behalf as you learn how to line a fishing reel for future practice. So, take your time to understand how both the fishing line and reel works as you master the skills. If you know how to put new line on a fishing reel, you’ll put a new one any time anywhere without depending on someone for help. Knowing this will also save on time and resources.
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