Spool Feeding
There are many misconceptions about what's the best way to spool line onto reels. Here's how to do it right.
By: Tim Allard
Baitcasting Reels
- Insert a pencil through the centre of the line-carrying spool. Get someone to hold the pencil with both hands. If going solo, put the spool and pencil between your knees or feet, or use a spooling station. Position the spool so line comes off over its top.
- Attach your reel to a rod.
- Tie line to the spool using an arbour or uni-knot. Wind line on under tension. Fill to 1⁄8-inch from spool rim.
Spinning Reels
- Lay the line spool flat on a floor, label up.
- Thread line through one or two bottom rod guides and tie to the reel with a uni-knot or a double overhand loop knot, (right). Pinch the line between your thumb and index finger, applying tension while reeling.
- Wind on 10 cranks and then inspect the line while lowering the rod slightly. If line doesn’t twist, continue and fill the spool. If line twists, flip over the floor spool.
- Fill 1⁄8-inch from spool rim, less if using fluorocarbon. This helps reduce the line’s tendency to spring off the spool.
Other Tips
- Always read the line and reel instructions before spooling. Some spinning reels featuring rollers to prevent line twist are to be spooled like baitcasters, but with line spinning from the feeder spool’s bottom.
- Braids can spin on a spool if tied direct. To prevent slippage, tie to the spool’s barrel hole (if available) or to a section of monofilament or fluorocarbon backing, or wrap the spool with compressible tape before filling.
