How to Spool Braided Fishing Line

Braided fishing line must be spooled onto a rod and reel before it can be used.

Anglers use braided fishing line because it is stronger and more sensitive than other fishing lines. Also, braided line is thinner than monofilament fishing line of the same strength. Anglers who use braided line tend to target larger fish species like largemouth bass, muskies, northern pike and walleyes. Braided line does not need to be changed as often as monofilament fishing lines and most anglers can get by with spooling new braided line every couple of years.

Things You'll Need

• Fishing rod and reel
• Braided line
• Scissors

Instructions

1. Select a monofilament line for backing. This will reduce the amount of braided line you have to use and also will prevent the braided line from slipping on the reel spool, which is a common problem.

2. Select the rod and reel you plan to use. Thread the monofilament line through each rod guide. Wrap the line around the reel spool two times. Spin the handle of the reel clockwise so it begins filling up with the monofilament. Spool 40 to 50 yards of monofilament and then cut the line about 24 inches beyond the tip of the rod.

3. Attach the end of the monofilament line to the end of the braided line using a blood knot (see Resources).

4. Spin the reel handle to fill the spool with the rest of the monofilament line and the braided line. Continue reeling until the braided line is 1/8-inch below the rim of the reel spool.

5. Cut the braided line about one foot beyond the end of the fishing rod.

Resources

• Animated Knots: How to Tie a Blood Knot