How to Set Up a Fishing Rod for Spinning

Spin fishing is a popular and fairly simple method of fishing. Typically a step up from spin casting, spinning requires the user to control the line during the cast, as opposed to the enclosed spincast reel that performs this automatically. Spinning is extremely adaptable and is used to catch almost every type of fish, whether it from a stream, pond, lake or ocean.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Spinning rod Spinning reel Line Terminal tackle

1. Begin by assembling the rod if it is in two or more sections. This is done by inserting the male end of the rod into the female end and slightly twisting. Make sure the eyes of the rod sections are in alignment.

2. Attach the spinning reel to the reel seat. Typically there will be screw-down or sliding locking rings to secure the foot of the reel in place. Make sure that the reel is centered in the seat and, if adjustable, that it is in a comfortable position when held in relationship to the grip.

3. If there is no line on the reel, choose a mono-filament line of appropriate weight, or pound test, for the type of fishing you will be doing. For example, trout will normally require a line in the 2- to 6-pound test range, while a large mouth bass will require a 10-pound or greater test line. Open the bail, which is the wire lever on the front of the reel, and attach the tag end of the line to the spool using an arbor knot. To tie the arbor knot, loop the tag end of the line around the spindle of the reel so that 4 to 6 inches remains on the opposite side. Form an overhand knot around the main line and a second overhand knot using only the tag end. Snug down the knot and close the bail. Wind on enough line to fill the reel to about two-thirds full.

4. To thread the line through the rod eyes, open the reel bail, which will allow line to pull from the spool. Feed the line through the progressively smaller eyes and out the front. You will want to leave 3 to 4 feet of line to work with. Close the bail, which will prevent more line from unspooling.

5. Attach a hook, weight, bait or other terminal tackle needed, depending on the type of fishing and species of fish you are seeking. There are many methods of rigging terminal tackle based on species. For example, when only considering large mouth bass, there is the Carolina Rig, Texas Rig, and Whacky Rig, all of which refer to different ways of combining terminal tackle and placing a plastic bait on the hook.

Tips & Warnings

• Determine the type of fishing you will be doing and then select a rod and reel. Make sure the rod and reel are matched in size. Research by means of reading and discussion will help determine what is the best method for pursuing a particular type of fish.
• Fishing line can cause cuts on the hands and fingers when stretched taught. Also use care when handling hooks, as even the smallest trout or pan fish hooks are razor sharp.

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