How to String a Fishing Rod & Reel

Stringing a fishing rod is so simple that even young anglers can do it properly.

Properly stringing your rod and reel is a vital part of your successful fishing excursion. The fishing line serves as your connection between the rod in your hand and the fish at the end of the line. Any weaknesses in the line, whether from improperly tied knots or damaged line sections, can result in losing both the fish and your fishing tackle.

Things You'll Need

• Fishing rod
• Spinning reel
• Monofilament fishing line
• Terminal tackle (lures, hooks, bait)

Instructions

1. Tie one end of the monofilament fishing line to the spool of your spinning reel, using an arbor knot. The arbor knot consists of two overhand knots. The first overhand knot is tied by looping the line around the reel spool and tying the tag end of the line in an overhand knot around the main portion of the line. Then a second overhand knot is tied in just the tag end of the line, and the two knots are jammed tight against the reel spool. Reel the fishing line onto the reel spool once the arbor knot is tied.

2. Open the bail of the spinning reel and pull about six inches of line off the reel's spool. Form a small loop in the end of the line and grasp the base of the loop between your thumb and forefinger.

3. Thread the loop of line through all of the guides on the fishing rod. If the line slips from your fingers the loop should prevent the line from sliding backward through the guides on the rod.

4. Grasp the loop of line in your thumb and forefingers at the point where the line protrudes from the tip-top guide (the last guide) of your fishing rod. Pull the portion of the doubled line that is not attached to the reel through the rod guides until the doubled line has unfolded into a single line extending out from the tip of the fishing rod.

5. Attach your terminal tackle to the end of your fishing line, using the connecting knot of your choice. Popular connecting knots include the improved clinch knot and the turtle knot.

Tips & Warnings

• Check for rough or abraded portions of your fishing line by grasping the line in your thumb and forefinger while slowly reeling in the line. As the line passes through your fingers you should be able to feel cuts and abrasions that may have compromised the line's strength.

• The friction and heat generated when a knot is pulled tight can weaken your fishing line. To avoid this, moisten the knot with water or saliva before pulling the knot tight.

References

• The Ultimate Guide to Freshwater Fishing; Dick Sternberg; 2003
• The Complete Book of Fly Fishing; Tom McNally; 1993.