How to Put Fishing Line on a Fishing Reel
Whether you are an avid fisherman, or someone who goes every now and again, you will eventually have to replace the line on your pole. If done properly, you can avoid aggravating knots and the dreaded rat's nest that forms when the fishing line gets tangled up. Using simple knot techniques and paying careful attention can save you time and energy when preparing for a fishing trip.
Instructions
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1
Remove any old line from the fishing reel, and properly dispose of it. Some outfitters offer a recycling service for fishing line.
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2
Thread the fishing line through the eyes on the fishing rod starting from the tip, and work your way to the reel.
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3
Tie the line to the spool of the reel. If it is an open-face reel, be sure to open the bail. If it is a closed-faced reel, be sure to remove the cover and thread the line through it. Once the line is tied, close the bail, or replace the cover.
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4
Place the spool of line on the ground below the tip of the fishing pole so that it will un-spool in the same direction it will be winding around the spool on the reel.
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5
Place your hand on the fishing pole between six and ten inches from the reel. In that same hand, gently hold the fishing line. You do not want to hold it too tight; you are only trying to keep slight tension on the line as it winds around the spool.
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Fill the spool with line. Generally, on the spool of the reel, there will be recommendations as to how much of each weight of line will fit on the spool. The amount of line you put on the reel does not have to match these guidelines exactly but should be close. If there are no recommendations, fill the spool between 3/4 and 7/8 of the way full.
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7
Cut the line from the spool using fingernail clippers, and either tie on a hook or a lure.
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Tips & Warnings
If you have a reel with a detachable spool, attach the line to the line clip on it, and remove it from the reel. Then soak it in water overnight. This will help the line relax, and will prevent the line from trying to unspool itself during your initial casts.
Many fishermen bite fishing line with their teeth to cut it. Do not do this. Biting the line can result in cracked or chipped teeth. Use the fingernail clippers any time you need to clip a line.
