How to Set Up a Rod to Fish with Spinners

Fishing with spinners is a great way to fish for a wide variety of fish species. Both saltwater and freshwater fish may be successfully caught with spinners. A spinning outfit typically consists of a spinning rod, spinning reel, monofilament line and a spinner. Spinner fishing is also one of the more simple means of fishing and may be enjoyed by people of varying ages.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Spinning rod
• Spinning reel
• Monofilament line
• Spinner

1. Securely connect the rod pieces together if the rod consists of more than one piece. Insert the sections together and slightly twist to lock and align the sections so that the line eyes are straight.

2. Mount the reel to the rod by placing on the reel seat. Secure the reel with locking rings by either sliding or twisting the rings down tightly around the reel foot.

3. Open the bail at the front of the reel by pushing it back to the open position. A locking mechanism will hold the bail open so that the spool may be easily accessed.

4. Attach an appropriate pound test monofilament line to the spool using an arbor knot. Loop the line around the axle of the spool and leave 4-6 inches of the tag, or loose end, extended past the spool. Tie an overhand knot with the tag end around the main line. Tie another overhand knot with only the tag end and snug down around the axle.

5. Close the bail by turning the reel handle and wind the recommended length of line onto the spool. Refer to the owner's manual for exact amounts or spool the reel until it is around three-fourths full. Cut the line free from the master spool.

6. Open the bail and pull the tag end of the line through the eyes of the rod, leaving three to four feet extending from the end of the rod.

7. Tie an appropriate-sized spinner to the line using a clinch knot. Pass the tag end of the line through the eye of the spinner, leaving two to three inches extending from the eye. Wrap the tag end of the line around the main line for six to eight turns. Pass the tag end of the line back through the small loop formed above the spinner eye. Moisten the knot and pull tight.

Tips & Warnings

• Make sure to properly select a pound test line suitable for the type of fishing to be done. Stream trout, for example, will typically require 2-to-6-pound test while large mouth bass will require 12-pound test and higher. Also consider Big Game or other saltwater lines when pier or surf fishing.
• Use care when handling monofilament line as it may produce a cut when stretched taut.

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