Restringing a fishing pole is an essential maintenance task that can significantly enhance the performance and longevity of your angling gear. Whether you’re an experienced angler or just starting out, learning how to restring a fishing pole is a valuable skill that will save you time, money, and frustration on the water.
Before you begin, it’s important to gather the necessary materials. You will need the appropriate fishing line for your reel, a line winder or spool, line clippers, and a hook remover. Choosing the right fishing line is crucial, as it will determine the strength, castability, and visibility of your line. Consider the type of fish you’re targeting, the weight of your lures, and the water conditions when selecting your line.
The process of restringing a fishing pole is relatively straightforward but requires attention to detail. Start by removing the old line from your reel. Use line clippers to cut the line close to the spool, and then unwind the remaining line by hand. Next, attach the new fishing line to the spool and secure it with an arbor knot or a simple overhand knot. If using a line winder, thread the line through the winder and attach it to the spool. Wind the new line onto the reel, ensuring it is evenly distributed and free from twists or knots.
Gather Your Materials
Restringing a fishing pole is not a difficult task, but it does require the right tools and materials. Here’s what you’ll need:
Tools
- Line winder or reel
- Scissors
- Ruler or tape measure
Materials
- Fishing line (type and weight will depend on the fishing you plan to do)
- Line conditioner
- Line spool or bobbin
Getting the Right Line
Choosing the right fishing line is crucial. Consider the following factors:
- Type: Monofilament, fluorocarbon, and braid are the three main types of fishing line. Monofilament is the most popular, but fluorocarbon is more durable and braid is stronger.
- Weight: Line weight is measured in pounds. The weight you need will depend on the size of the fish you’re targeting.
- Diameter: Line diameter is measured in millimeters. A smaller diameter line will reduce drag, making it easier to cast longer distances.
Here’s a table to help you choose the right fishing line:
| Type | Durability | Strength | Visibility |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monofilament | Low | Medium | High |
| Fluorocarbon | High | Medium | Low |
| Braid | Low | High | High |
Choose the Right Line
Selecting the appropriate fishing line is crucial for the success of your fishing expedition. Here are some key factors to consider when choosing a line:
Material:
| Material | Properties |
|---|---|
| Monofilament | Economical, visible, low stretch |
| Fluorocarbon | Invisible in water, high sensitivity, abrasion-resistant |
| Braided | Strong, low stretch, no memory |
Strength:
The strength of the line should match the size of the fish you intend to catch. Check the line’s “pound-test” rating, which indicates the weight it can withstand before breaking.
Diameter:
The diameter of the line affects its visibility and casting distance. Thinner lines are less visible but may be weaker. Thicker lines are more durable but may reduce casting distance.
Suppleness:
Supple lines cast more easily and reduce line twist. However, they may break more easily than stiffer lines.
Color:
The color of the line can affect its visibility to fish. Clear lines are less noticeable in clear water. High-visibility lines can help you track your line’s movement.
Remove the Old Line
3. Spool the Old Line Onto a Spooler
Using a line spooler is the most efficient and tangle-free way to remove old line from your reel. A line spooler is a simple device that holds an empty spool and allows you to wind the line onto it with minimal effort. To use a line spooler:
- Attach the line spooler to your reel’s spool shaft.
- Tie the end of the old line to the empty spool.
- Turn the handle of the line spooler to wind the old line onto the spool.
The speed at which you wind the line will depend on the size and type of reel you are using. For smaller reels, you can wind the line faster. For larger reels, it is best to wind the line more slowly to avoid damaging the reel or the line.
Once the old line has been spooled onto the empty spool, you can remove the line spooler from the reel and discard the old line.
**Tips for Spooling Old Line**
- Hold the line taut while winding it onto the spool to prevent tangles.
- If the line starts to tangle, stop winding and gently pull the line free from the spool.
- If the line is very old or damaged, it may be necessary to cut it into smaller pieces before spooling it onto the empty spool.
By following these tips, you can quickly and easily remove the old line from your reel and get it ready for new line.
| Method | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Line Spooler | Efficient, tangle-free | Requires a line spooler |
| Manual Winding | Less expensive | More time-consuming, prone to tangles |
Attach the New Line
1. Feed the line through the guides
With the reel mounted on the rod, start at the tip of the rod and feed the fishing line through each guide, including the tip-top and any guides at the base of the reel.
2. Tie on the new line
There are several different knots that can be used to attach the new line to the reel spool. Choose a knot that you are comfortable with and securely tie the line to the spool.
3. Wind the line onto the spool
Using the reel handle, wind the fishing line onto the spool. Fill the spool to about 1/8th inch from the top of the spool.
4. Trim the Excess Line
Once the spool is full, use scissors to trim the excess line. To prevent line fraying, use a lighter or heat tool to slightly melt the end of the line.
| Knot | Description |
|---|---|
| Arbor Knot | A simple and effective knot that creates a strong connection between the line and the reel spool. |
| Palomar Knot | A reliable knot that is easy to tie and provides a strong connection. |
| Double Uni Knot | A versatile knot that can be used to connect line to line or line to lures. |
Spool the Line
Before you begin spooling the line, you need to determine how much line you will need. This will depend on the type of fishing you are doing and the size of the reel you are using. As a general rule of thumb, you should spool on enough line to fill the reel to within 1/8 inch of the lip.
5. Spool the Line
To spool the line, follow these steps:
- Hold the reel with the spool facing up. Let the line end hang down and feed it through the eyes of the rod, starting with the tip and working your way down.
- Once the line is threaded through the rod, tie it to the spool with a simple overhand knot.
- Start winding the line onto the spool by turning the reel handle clockwise.
- As you wind the line, make sure it is evenly distributed across the spool. If the line is not evenly distributed, it can cause the reel to jam.
- Continue winding the line onto the spool until it is full to within 1/8 inch of the lip.
Tips for Spooling the Line
- Use a line winder to make the process easier. A line winder is a device that attaches to the reel and helps to evenly distribute the line as it is wound onto the spool.
- If you are using a spinning reel, be sure to close the bail before you start winding the line. This will help to prevent the line from tangling.
- If you are using a baitcasting reel, be sure to engage the reel’s drag before you start winding the line. This will help to prevent the reel from overrunning and causing a backlash.
| Monofilament | Braided | Fluorocarbon |
|---|---|---|
| Easy to cast | Strong and durable | Low visibility |
| Can stretch | Can be difficult to cast | More expensive |
| Good for all-around fishing | Best for fishing in heavy cover | Best for fishing in clear water |
Tie the Knot
Now that you have your line threaded through the rod, it’s time to tie the knot. There are many different knots you can use, but the most common and secure knot is the Improved Clinch Knot. Here’s how to tie it:
- Pass the end of the line through the eye of the hook, then back up through the loop you just created.
- Wrap the line around the standing line 5 times.
- Pass the end of the line back through the loop you created in step 1.
- Wet the knot and pull it tight.
- Trim the excess line.
-
Here is a table that summarizes the steps for tying the Improved Clinch Knot:
Step Description 1 Pass the end of the line through the eye of the hook, then back up through the loop you just created. 2 Wrap the line around the standing line 5 times. 3 Pass the end of the line back through the loop you created in step 1. 4 Wet the knot and pull it tight. 5 Trim the excess line. Set the Drag
Adjusting the drag is essential for preventing line breakage and ensuring a successful catch. Before starting, tighten the drag knob by turning it clockwise until the spool can no longer move. Then, loosen it slightly by turning it counterclockwise until you feel a slight resistance when pulling on the line.
The optimum drag setting depends on various factors, including the size of the fish you’re targeting, the strength of your line, and the type of fishing you’re doing. Here’s a general guideline to help you set the drag:
Fish Size Drag Setting Small (under 5 pounds) 1 to 2 pounds below line strength Medium (5 to 15 pounds) 2 to 4 pounds below line strength Large (over 15 pounds) 4 to 6 pounds below line strength Bottom-fishing (additional resistance) Increase drag setting by 1 to 2 pounds Fly-fishing (less resistance) Decrease drag setting by 1 to 2 pounds Remember to re-adjust the drag setting as the fish fights and changes its weight.
Check the Reel
Inspect the reel to ensure it is in good working order. Check for any damage or corrosion, particularly on the spool and line guide. If the reel is spinning freely and the line is not getting tangled, you can proceed with the restringing process.
### 8. Wind the Line onto the Spool
This is the most crucial step in the restringing process, as it determines the line’s performance. Begin by opening the bail or releasing the spool. Next, tie the end of the new line to the spool using a secure knot like the Palomar knot. Pass the line through the line guide and onto the spool. Start winding the line evenly and tightly onto the spool. Use your thumb or a line winder to maintain even tension.
As you wind the line, be sure to fill the spool to its maximum capacity, but avoid overfilling it, as this can lead to line tangles and other issues. Also, pay attention to the line lay. The line should be wound onto the spool in a consistent pattern, ensuring it comes off evenly when casting.
Here are some tips for proper line winding:
Tip Description Use a line winder Provides precise and even winding Hold the spool at a slight angle Promotes an even line lay Keep the line under tension Prevents line tangles and improves performance Fill the spool to capacity Maximizes line capacity and casting distance Avoid overfilling the spool Causes line tangles and other issues How To Restring A Fishing Pole
Restringing a fishing pole is a simple task that can be completed in a few minutes. By following these steps, you can ensure that your fishing pole is ready for your next fishing trip.
- Remove the old line from the reel. Cut the line close to the reel and pull it off.
- Attach the new line to the reel. Tie the line to the reel spool and then wind it onto the spool.
- Thread the line through the rod guides. Start by threading the line through the tip guide and then continue threading it through the remaining guides.
- Tie the line to the fishing hook. Tie a knot in the end of the line and then attach it to the fishing hook.
- Test the line. Cast the line out and reel it back in to make sure that it is working properly.
People Also Ask About How To Restring A Fishing Pole
How often should I restring my fishing pole?
You should restring your fishing pole every 6-12 months, or more often if you use it frequently.
What type of line should I use?
The type of line you use will depend on the type of fishing you are doing. For general purpose fishing, a monofilament line is a good choice.
How do I tie a knot in the end of the line?
There are many different ways to tie a knot in the end of a fishing line. One common knot is the Palomar knot.
