How To String A Reel
When it comes to fishing, having the right gear is essential for success. One of the most important pieces of gear is your reel, and knowing how to string it properly can make all the difference.
Stringing a reel may seem like a daunting task, but it’s actually quite simple. With proper preparation and patience, you can easily string your reel and have it ready for action. In this article, we’ll provide step-by-step instructions on how to string a reel, as well as some tips and tricks to make the process even easier.
Before you start, you’ll need to gather a few materials. First, you’ll need the reel itself, as well as a spool of fishing line. You’ll also need a line winder, which is a tool that will help you wrap the line onto the reel. If you don’t have a line winder, you can use a pencil or a stick instead. Finally, you’ll need a pair of scissors to cut the line.
Selecting the Right Line
Choosing the appropriate fishing line for your reel is crucial for successful fishing. Consider the following factors when selecting your line:
- Type of Fishing: Different fishing methods require different line strengths and materials. For example, spinning reels typically use monofilament or fluorocarbon lines, while baitcasting reels often use braided lines.
- Line Strength: The line strength refers to its breaking limit, expressed in pounds or kilograms. Match the line strength to the target species and fishing environment. Heavier fish and rough conditions require stronger lines.
- Line Material: Fishing lines are made from various materials, each with its unique properties:
- Monofilament: Stretchable and impact-resistant, suitable for beginners and baitcasters.
- Fluorocarbon: Low visibility and resistant to abrasion, ideal for targeting wary fish.
- Braided: Thin, strong, and sensitive, perfect for baitcasting and vertical jigging.
The following table summarizes the key characteristics of different line materials:
| Line Material | Stretchiness | Visibility | Strength-to-Diameter |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monofilament | High | Moderate | Low |
| Fluorocarbon | Low | Very Low | Moderate |
| Braided | None | High | High |
Preparing the Reel
Before you start stringing your reel, it’s important to prepare it properly. This will help ensure that the line goes on smoothly and evenly, and that it’s securely attached to the reel.
Here are the steps on how to prepare your reel for stringing:
1. Clean the reel
Start by cleaning the reel with a damp cloth. This will remove any dirt or debris that could interfere with the line going on smoothly.
2. Inspect the reel
Once the reel is clean, inspect it for any damage. Look for any cracks, chips, or other imperfections. If you find any damage, don’t use the reel until it’s been repaired.
3. Lubricate the reel
If your reel has any moving parts, it’s important to lubricate them before stringing it. This will help keep the parts moving smoothly and prevent them from wearing out prematurely.
4. Choose the right line
The type of line you use will depend on the type of fishing you’re doing. For most types of fishing, a monofilament line is a good choice. However, if you’re fishing in saltwater or for larger fish, you may want to use a braided line.
5. Determine the line length
The amount of line you need will depend on the size of your reel and the type of fishing you’re doing. As a general rule of thumb, you should fill the reel to within 1/8 inch of the lip.
6. Tie the line to the reel
Once you’ve chosen the line and determined the length, it’s time to tie the line to the reel. There are a few different ways to do this, but the most common method is the arbor knot.
| Arbor Knot Steps: |
| :———– | :———– |
| 1. Pass the end of the line through the hole in the arbor. |
| 2. Form a simple overhand knot in the end of the line. |
| 3. Pass the free end of the line through the overhand knot and pull it tight. |
| 4. Repeat steps 2 and 3 three more times. |
| 5. Trim the excess line. |
Threading the Spool
Passing the Line Through the Spool Clips
1. Hold the spool horizontally with the line coming off the top.
2. Locate the two spool clips on the reel frame, usually near the center.
3. Thread the line between the two clips, ensuring that it passes smoothly between them.
Creating the Tension Knot
1. Bring the line back up to the reel frame and wrap it around the bottom of the frame, behind the spool.
2. Bring the line forward again and wrap it over the top of the spool, in front of the line you just wrapped.
3. Repeat steps 1 and 2 to create a two-wrap tension knot.
4. Tighten the knot by pulling on the loose end of the line.
Threading the Line Through the Line Guide
1. Locate the line guide, typically a small opening between the spool and the reel frame.
2. Thread the line through the line guide, making sure it falls correctly into the guide.
3. Pull out a small amount of line from the spool and wrap it around the edge of the spool to secure it.
Passing the Line Through the Guides
With the reel held vertically, thread the line through the stripper guide, which is the first guide on the rod and positioned closest to the reel. The line should enter the guide from the bottom and exit through the top. Continue threading the line through each of the remaining guides, following the path indicated by the guide arrangement on the rod. As you thread the line through the guides, ensure it is free of twists or kinks.
Stripper Guide
-
Position: First guide on the rod, closest to the reel
-
Line Path: Enters guide from bottom, exits through top
-
Purpose: Controls the line angle and prevents tangles as the line leaves the reel
Intermediate Guides
-
Position: Positioned along the rod between the stripper and tip guides
-
Line Path: Follows the curve of the rod, gradually transitioning the line angle
-
Purpose: Stabilizes the line during casting and retrieving, preventing it from flapping in the wind
Tip Guide
- Position: Last guide on the rod, positioned closest to the tip
- Line Path: Guides the line towards the lure or fly
- Purpose: Reduces line friction and helps with accurate casting
Tying the Line to the Arbor
5. Performing the Arbor Knot:
The arbor knot is a secure and easy-to-tie knot that directly attaches the line to the arbor. Follow these steps:
- Pass the line through the arbor hole, from the spool side to the opposite side.
- Form a small loop with the line, about 2-3 inches long.
- Run the free end of the line through the loop you just formed.
- Slowly tighten the knot by pulling on both ends of the line.
- Wrap the free end around the standing line four or five times.
- Thread the free end through the loop formed by the last wrap.
- Moisten the knot with water and tighten it slowly and firmly.
- Cut off the excess line, leaving about 1/4 inch protruding from the knot.
Additional Tips:
- Use a line that matches the line capacity of your reel and is suitable for the species you’re targeting.
- Ensure the arbor knot is secure before using the reel to avoid line slippage.
- Consider using a backing material on the arbor before spooling the fishing line to prevent the line from digging into the arbor.
Arbor Knot Table:
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | Pass line through arbor hole. |
| 2 | Form loop with line. |
| 3 | Pass free end through loop. |
| 4 | Tighten knot. |
| 5 | Wrap free end around standing line. |
| 6 | Pass free end through loop. |
| 7 | Tighten and cut excess line. |
Spooling the Line
6. Loading the Spool with Line
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Hold the reel upright and insert the line into the hole at the top of the spool.
- Make a few wraps around the spool by hand, ensuring that the line is evenly distributed.
- Thread the line through the line guide on the bail arm or spool.
- Attach a weight or small sinker to the end of the line.
- Hold the reel at a distance of 1-2 feet from the rod’s tip.
- Cast the weight or sinker into the water and begin reeling in slowly while applying slight pressure to the line with your non-casting hand.
- Choose a line capacity that matches the reel’s specifications.
- Use a backing line if necessary to fill the spool to its proper capacity.
- The line should be spooled tightly and evenly to prevent tangles and ensure a smooth retrieve.
- Consider using a line winder to make the process easier and faster.
- If the line twists while spooling, stop the process and untwist it before continuing.
- Hold the reel vertically with the spool facing down to avoid any potential tangles.
- Use sharp scissors to make a precise cut and prevent any fraying of the line.
- Consider leaving a small amount of excess line (approximately 2-3 feet) beyond the lip of the reel for easier line management.
- Inspect the line for any imperfections or nicks before cutting. If there are any, trim the line below that point.
- If you have access to a line trimmer, it can provide a cleaner and more even cut compared to using scissors.
- Avoid excessive trimming, as it can weaken the line and reduce its lifespan.
- For braid or other lines that tend to fray easily, consider using a heat source (such as a lighter) to fuse the cut end and prevent unraveling.
- A reel
- Fishing line
- Scissors
Additional Tips:
Table: Line Capacity and Spool Size
| Spool Size | Line Capacity (Yards) |
|—|—|
| 2500 | 135-190 |
| 3000 | 180-250 |
| 4000 | 220-300 |
| 5000 | 270-350 |
| 6000 | 320-400 |
Trimming the Excess
Once you’ve spooled the line onto the reel, you’ll need to remove the excess. To do this, carefully use a pair of scissors to cut the line at a point that’s just beyond the lip of the reel. Don’t cut it too close to the edge, as you may weaken the line or cause it to fray.
Additional Tips:
Testing the Line
Once you have spooled the line onto the reel, it’s time to test it to make sure it’s the right length and strength for your needs. To do this, you’ll need to attach a weight to the end of the line and cast it out into the water. Allow the weight to sink to the bottom, then retrieve it. If the line breaks, you’ll need to replace it with a stronger line. If the line is too long, you can trim it down to the desired length. Here are some tips for testing the line:
1. Choose the right weight for the line. The weight should be heavy enough to sink the line to the bottom, but not so heavy that it causes the line to break. A good rule of thumb is to use a weight that is about 1/3 the weight of the line.
2. Cast the line out into the water. Allow the weight to sink to the bottom, then retrieve it.
3. Check the line for breaks. If the line breaks, you’ll need to replace it with a stronger line.
4. Trim the line if it’s too long. If the line is too long, you can trim it down to the desired length.
| Line Strength | Weight |
|---|---|
| 2-pound test | 1/3 ounce |
| 4-pound test | 1/2 ounce |
| 6-pound test | 3/4 ounce |
| 8-pound test | 1 ounce |
| 10-pound test | 1 1/4 ounces |
| 12-pound test | 1 1/2 ounces |
Storing the Reel
Once the reel is strung, it’s important to store it properly to prevent damage and prolong its life. Here are some tips for storing your reel:
1. Clean the Reel
Before storing the reel, clean it thoroughly to remove any dirt, dust, or debris. This will help prevent corrosion and other damage.
2. Apply Lubricant
Apply a thin layer of lubricant to the reel’s moving parts to keep them functioning smoothly and prevent wear. Avoid using excessive lubricant, as this can attract dirt and debris.
3. Avoid Extreme Temperatures
Store the reel in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Extreme temperatures can damage the reel’s components.
4. Cover the Reel
If possible, cover the reel with a protective case or bag to keep it dust-free and prevent scratches.
5. Loosen the Drag
Loosen the drag on the reel to prevent the line from setting and damaging the reel.
6. Store the Reel Vertically
Store the reel vertically to prevent the line from coiling and tangling.
7. Protect the Line
Avoid exposing the line to UV radiation or harsh chemicals, as this can weaken the line and make it more prone to breakage.
8. Check the Reel Regularly
Check the reel regularly for signs of damage or wear. If any issues are found, consult a professional reel repair technician.
Additional Tips for Storing Reels with Mono Line
| Tip | Description |
|---|---|
| Wipe Down the Line | Wipe down the monofilament line with a damp cloth to remove any excess moisture or salt residue. |
| Coil the Line Loosely | Coil the monofilament line loosely on the reel to prevent it from setting and developing memory. |
| Avoid Direct Sunlight | Store the reel with monofilament line in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight, as UV radiation can weaken the line. |
Troubleshooting Common Issues
1. Line tangles
If your line is getting tangled, it may be due to improper spooling or a faulty reel. Make sure that the line is spooled tightly onto the reel and that the reel is not damaged.
2. Line breakage
If your line is breaking frequently, it may be due to poor quality line or nicks in the line. Use high-quality line and inspect your line for any damage before using it.
3. Reel drag not working properly
If your reel’s drag is not working properly, it may be due to a lack of lubrication or a damaged drag system. Lubricate the drag system according to the manufacturer’s instructions and have it serviced if necessary.
4. Reel not casting smoothly
If your reel is not casting smoothly, it may be due to a dirty or damaged reel bearing. Clean the reel bearing and replace it if necessary.
5. Reel not retrieving line properly
If your reel is not retrieving line properly, it may be due to a damaged or dirty pawl or ratchet system. Clean the pawl or ratchet system and replace any damaged parts.
6. Reel making excessive noise
If your reel is making excessive noise, it may be due to a loose screw or a damaged gear. Tighten any loose screws and replace any damaged gears.
7. Reel not balanced
If your reel is not balanced, it may cause vibration and discomfort when casting. Add weight to the reel or adjust the spool tension to balance the reel.
8. Reel not seating properly on the rod
If your reel is not seating properly on the rod, it may be due to a misaligned reel seat or a damaged reel foot. Adjust the reel seat or replace the reel foot to ensure proper alignment.
9. Line slipping on the spool
If the line is slipping on the spool, it may be due to a lack of backing or a worn spool surface. Add backing to the spool and replace the spool surface if necessary.
10. Reel not performing as expected
If your reel is not performing as expected, it may be due to a variety of factors. Check the reel for any damage or wear, clean and lubricate the reel, and adjust the settings according to the manufacturer’s instructions. If the problem persists, have the reel serviced by a qualified technician.
How To String A Reel
Stringing a reel is a relatively simple task that can be completed in a few minutes. However, it is important to follow the steps carefully to ensure that the reel is strung correctly and will perform properly.
To begin, you will need to gather the following materials:
Once you have gathered your materials, you can begin the process of stringing the reel.
1. **Attach the line to the spool.** To do this, simply tie the end of the line to the spool using a simple overhand knot. Make sure the knot is tight and secure.
2. **Wind the line onto the spool.** Begin by wrapping the line around the spool in a clockwise direction. Be sure to keep the line tight as you wind it. Continue winding until the spool is full.
3. **Trim the excess line.** Once the spool is full, use the scissors to trim the excess line. Leave about 6 inches of line on the spool.
4. **Tie the line to the reel.** To do this, simply tie the end of the line to the reel using a simple overhand knot. Make sure the knot is tight and secure.
Your reel is now strung and ready to use.
People Also Ask
How often should I restring my reel?
It is a good idea to restring your reel every 6 to 12 months, or more often if you use it frequently.
What type of fishing line should I use?
The type of fishing line you use will depend on the type of fishing you are doing. For most types of fishing, a monofilament line is a good choice.
How do I know if my reel is strung correctly?
If your reel is strung correctly, the line will come off the spool smoothly and will not tangle. You should also be able to cast the line without any problems.
