How to Set Up a Spinning Reel

To the inexperienced, a spinning reel can seem somewhat intimidating. The action of the reel from the spool to the bail and handle can often deter individuals from trying to spin fish. However, once you become familiar with the equipment and how it works, spinning is easy to master and is a great way to fish for a wide range of fish species. One of the first steps is to set up the spinning reel which is a great way to learn the basics of spin fishing.

Things You'll Need

• Spinning reel Monofilament line

Instructions

How to Set Up a Spinning Reel

1. Begin by familiarizing yourself with the basic parts of the spinning reel. Attached to the reel's main body is the handle. The handle may be paddle shaped or tube shaped, depending on the manufacturer and design. At the front of the reel is the spool which holds the line. To the front of the spool is the bail, a stiff metal wire arched across the spool face. The bail has a line guide which, when retrieved, work together to spool the line.

2. Open the bail by pushing it forward and down with your hand. An internal catch will engage and prevent the bail from closing. Tie the tag end of the fishing line, which will typically be monofilament, to the spool. Use an arbor knot for this purpose. To tie the knot, wrap the line around the spool and tie an overhand knot around the main line. Tie another overhand knot using only the tag end of the line. Snug the knot down around the spool.

3. Close the bail by either turning the handle one rotation, which will disengage the bail and allow it to close, or by manually closing it with your hand. Keep the line taut and begin to wind the line onto the spool by turning the handle. Typically, the spool will move forward and back as the bail wraps the line. This motion allows the line to be evenly wound onto the spool.

4. Following the recommendation of the manufacturer, spool the appropriate amount of line onto the reel. This amount will vary based on factors including reel size and line diameter. If you are unsure, a rule of thumb is to spool enough line onto the reel to fill 3/4 full.

5. Attach the reel to the rod. Most rods will feature a reel seat with locking rings to secure the reel. Place the reel on the seat so that you may comfortably hold the reel and have sufficient room to grip the handle. Securely tighten the lock rings by screwing them or sliding them down.

Tips & Warnings

• Most spinning reels will feature reversible handles which require a small screw to be removed on one side or the other. There may also be the need to rotate the handle to remove it from the reel body. Many people prefer to wet lines such as monofilament slightly as it is wound because this may increase the efficiency of the line as it is wound onto the spool.

• Use caution when handling line as it is easy to be cut by a tightly stretched line.