How to Replace Fishing Line on an Open Face Reel

An open-face fishing reel

Nothing breaks a fisherman's heart more than losing a big fish. One way to ensure against break-offs is to keep fresh lines on your reels. Monofilament fishing line can be damaged by heat and the sun's rays and should be changed periodically to make sure you land that big fish when it strikes. Putting fresh line on a reel is a simple task.

Things You'll Need

• Fishing rod with open face reel
• New line
• Fingernail clipper or other line cutter

Instructions

Replacing fishing line

1. Remove the old line. Remove any tackle or lures from the end of the line. Open the bail on the reel and pull all the old line off. The line will be tied to the spool of the reel. Cut this knot with a line cutter and pull all the old line clear of the reel.

2. Thread the loose end of the new line through the rod guide closest to the reel. With the bail open, wrap the end of the new line around the spool of the reel and secure it with an overhand knot pulled tight against the spool. Tie a second overhand knot to keep the first from pulling out. Clip the tag end of the line, leaving it a quarter-inch long.

3. Lay the spool of new line on in front of you with the label up. Close the bail on the reel and using the thumb and index finger of one hand, keep tension on the line as you turn the reel handle several times. To prevent the line from twisting, it should come off the spool in the same direction that it goes onto the reel. Looking at the back of the reel, if the bail on your reel rotates counterclockwise, the line should be coming off the spool the same way. If it doesn't, flip the spool over and check it again.

4. Reel the new line onto the spool. Keep enough tension on the line with your thumb and index finger to keep the line tightly on the reel's spool. Reel line onto the spool until the line is 1/8 of an inch from the top lip of the spool. Overfilling will cause the line to fall off the spool when casting, causing tangles.

5. Cut the line above the first rod guide, open the bail on the reel and feed the loose end of the line through the remaining guides on the rod. Now attach whatever lure or rig you choose.

Tips & Warnings

• A battery-powered line stripper can make removal of old line faster.

• Make sure to dispose of old fishing line properly. Fishing line can be dangerous to birds and never should be left on the shore of a lake or river.

References

• Howtobass: Bass Fishing Line Tips and Instruction