How To Spool A Spinning Reel: 12 Steps (with Pictures) - WikiHow

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Terms of Use wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Learn why people trust wikiHow How to Spool a Spinning Reel PDF download Download Article Co-authored by Michael Reynolds

Last Updated: February 24, 2025 Fact Checked

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  • Choosing Your Line
    • |
  • Loading the Reel
    • |
  • Spooling Your Reel
    • |
  • Video
    • |
  • Q&A
    • |
  • Tips
    • |
  • Things You'll Need
|Show more |Show less X

This article was co-authored by Michael Reynolds. Michael Reynolds is a Professional Fishing Instructor and the Owner of Long Beach, California Fishing Lessons by Michael Reynolds. In his over 40 years of fishing experience, Michael has become very knowledgeable about the variety of fishing methods and techniques. He is passionate about sharing his knowledge with beginners to experienced anglers. Michael has been guiding and teaching fishing for over five years and is licensed and bonded with the Department of Fish and Wildlife (DFW). There are 7 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 475,896 times.

A properly spooled spinning reel gives you the best chance of catching a big one out on the water. A poorly spooled spinning reel with twists and tangles, on the other hand, will probably send you home empty-handed. Don’t worry though, we’re here to help you avoid that! This article will walk you through everything you need to know, like how to choose the best line, how to load it onto your reel, and how to correctly spool it.

Steps

Part 1 Part 1 of 3:

Choosing Your Line

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  1. Step 1 Use a monofilament line if you’ll be fishing with floating baits. 1 Use a monofilament line if you’ll be fishing with floating baits. Monofilament lines are single-strand lines that have quite a bit of stretch. The stretch adds to the flexibility of the line, helping the hook to stay secured in the fishes mouth.
    • Mono lines also do well if you’re using a jig or live-bait.[1]
  2. Step 2 Pick fluorocarbon lines if you’ll be fishing in calm, shallow waters. 2 Pick fluorocarbon lines if you’ll be fishing in calm, shallow waters. These lines work very well because they are harder for fish to see underwater. Although they are similar to monofilament lines, they have less stretch and hold up better to abrasion. This line is also more reactive to light bites and bottom contact.
    • Fluorocarbon lines are considered a type of monofilament line, so they are also great for fishing with jigs, live-bait, or in crystal clear waters.
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  3. Step 3 Choose braided lines if you’re bottom fishing. 3 Choose braided lines if you’re bottom fishing. Braided lines are comprised of several lengths of braided synthetic material to create one line, which makes it great for creating a larger casting distance. This line provides better breaking strength and won’t stretch.
    • The line is visible and it floats well, so be selective when using it.
    • Because it sinks slowly, it goes great when using top-water baits.[2]
    4. Advertisement
Part 2 Part 2 of 3:

Loading the Reel

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  1. Step 1 Determine if the reel turns clockwise or counterclockwise. 1 Determine if the reel turns clockwise or counterclockwise. The easiest way to do this is to hold the reel the same way you would if you were actually fishing. Turn the wheel at least 2 to 3 times to determine if the reel turns clockwise or counterclockwise. This is the way the line will be spooled onto the reel; the opposite direction is the way the line will peel off the spool when you cast.[3]
    • Spinning reels are designed to hang down from the rod, not rest above it like spincasting and baitcasting reels are.
    • To hold the reel properly when it’s not mounted on the rod, wrap the fingers of your casting hand around the mounting bar and let the reel hang from that hand while reeling with your other hand.
  2. Step 2 Open the bail by flipping the small handle up. 2 Open the bail by flipping the small handle up. The bail is a little wire handle that flips up and down to open and close it. Flip the bail up to open it and down to close it when you’re finished. If you notice any old fishing line on your spool, you should remove it at this time.[4]
  3. Step 3 String your line straight through the guides and secure it. 3 String your line straight through the guides and secure it. The guides are a series of small circles that line the bottom of the rod and keep the line in place. Use an arbor knot to secure the line to the spool. Cut any extra line with line cutters, and make sure that you leave at least a 1⁄4 in (0.64 cm) of additional line from where you tied the knot.[5]
    • You can also use scissors to cut the line.
    • To tie an arbor knot, wrap the line around the arbor and tie an overhead knot in the standing line. Tie a second overhead knot in the tag end, just about 1 in (2.5 cm) from the first overhead knot. Pull the standing line to slide the first knot down to the spool and slide the second knot down to the first.[6]
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Part 3 Part 3 of 3:

Spooling Your Reel

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  1. Step 1 Close the bail and place the spool on the floor. 1 Close the bail and place the spool on the floor. To make sure that the line enters the reel properly, lay the spool flat on the floor with the label facing up. Your spool should line up so that the line comes off of the spool the same way it will be going into the reel.[7]
    • If your line is twisted or the line doesn’t line up when the label side of the spool is facing up, flip it over.
    • This will help avoid any problems with the line becoming twisted.
  2. Step 2 Pinch the line and slowly crank the reel. 2 Pinch the line and slowly crank the reel. You should pinch the line lightly, about 12 in (30 cm) above the reel and pull it tight. Crank the reel slowly, about 20 times, and let the line slide through your pinched fingers. Stop cranking and allow your line some slack to inspect it for twists.[8]
    • If the line is twisting, strip some of the line back off of your reel and realign your spool and line.
    • Always apply light pressure to your line while you load it. If you don’t the line will go on loose and end up becoming tangled later.[9]
  3. Step 3 Continue to crank the reel to load the line. 3 Continue to crank the reel to load the line. You can keep loading the line as soon as you are sure that the line is not twisting. Keep adding the line slowly and stop every 20-30 cranks to inspect your line for twists.[10]
    • If you find a line twist you may need to start the process over again. If you have already flipped your spool after the first inspection, straighten out the twist and continue slowly.
  4. Step 4 Fill the spool until it is 1⁄8 in (0.32 cm) away from the rim. 4 Fill the spool until it is 1⁄8 in (0.32 cm) away from the rim. This will give you plenty of line to use, even if you have to cut off a large piece of the line while changing lures or clearing snags, without overloading your reel.[11]
    • Never fill the spool to the very edge.[12] Under filling or overloading the spool will cause tangles and problems with casting.
  5. Step 5 Use line cutters to cut the line close to the supply spool. 5 Use line cutters to cut the line close to the supply spool. Leave a small amount of excess line to secure its free end with a lure. After cutting the line you can also place a small piece of tape over the free end on the spool to prevent it from coming unraveled.[13]
    • You can use scissors if you do not have line cutters.
  6. Step 6 Secure the line on the spool. 6 Secure the line on the spool. You can use a lure, swivel, or a clip to secure the free end of your line. This will prevent the line from slipping through the guides.
    • You can also wrap a rubber band around the spool.
    • If your spool comes with a tab in it, you can also tie the end of the line around the tab.
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Community Q&A

Search Add New Question
  • Question How do I tie an arbor knot? Community Answer Community Answer Tie an overhand knot around the spool. Then, with the tag end of the knot, tie an overhand knot around the other end of the first knot. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 47 Helpful 28
  • Question Line is on the spinning reel already. Can’t figure out if bale should be open or closed? 614 Fishing 614 Fishing Community Answer If the line is under the bail while it is closed, then it is correct. If it isn't under the bail while the bail is closed, then take the line out of the guides and put it back through the guides. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 13 Helpful 11
  • Question Why is the retrieve line is piling up at the rear of the spool? Community Answer Community Answer If the line is not distributed evenly across the spool, it can collect on one side. If the line is twisted, it can pile up on the rear of the spool. If the drag setting is too tight or if the line tension is too high, the same thing can happen. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 4 Helpful 2
Ask a Question 200 characters left Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Submit Advertisement

Video

Things You’ll Need

  • Spool of fishing line
  • Scissors or line cutters
  • Lure, swivel, clip or rubber band (to secure the end of the line)

Tips

  • If you can, obtain several spools for your reel and fill each with a different weight of line. This will allow you to switch to a lighter, thinner line when fishing clearer water and a heavier, thicker line when fishing in dingy water, weeds, or brush. Thanks Helpful 2 Not Helpful 0
Submit a Tip All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published Name Please provide your name and last initial Submit Thanks for submitting a tip for review! Advertisement

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References

  1. ↑ https://www.sportfishingmag.com/braid-vs-mono#page-5
  2. ↑ https://outdoorempire.com/how-to-spool-a-spinning-reel/
  3. ↑ https://outdoorempire.com/how-to-spool-a-spinning-reel/
  4. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=loQzHShpX5Q
  5. ↑ https://outdoorempire.com/how-to-spool-a-spinning-reel/
  6. ↑ https://www.netknots.com/fishing_knots/arbor-knot
  7. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=loQzHShpX5Q
  8. ↑ https://youtu.be/N5PA-Q854Bw?t=120
  9. ↑ Michael Reynolds. Professional Fishing Instructor. Expert Interview
More References (4)
  1. ↑ https://outdoorempire.com/how-to-spool-a-spinning-reel/
  2. ↑ https://www.takemefishing.org/blog/february-2022/how-to-spool-a-spinning-reel-with-braided-line/
  3. ↑ Michael Reynolds. Professional Fishing Instructor. Expert Interview
  4. ↑ https://www.takemefishing.org/blog/february-2022/how-to-spool-a-spinning-reel-with-braided-line/

About This Article

Michael Reynolds Co-authored by: Michael Reynolds Professional Fishing Instructor This article was co-authored by Michael Reynolds. Michael Reynolds is a Professional Fishing Instructor and the Owner of Long Beach, California Fishing Lessons by Michael Reynolds. In his over 40 years of fishing experience, Michael has become very knowledgeable about the variety of fishing methods and techniques. He is passionate about sharing his knowledge with beginners to experienced anglers. Michael has been guiding and teaching fishing for over five years and is licensed and bonded with the Department of Fish and Wildlife (DFW). This article has been viewed 475,896 times. 30 votes - 79% Co-authors: 23 Updated: February 24, 2025 Views: 475,896 Categories: Fishing Rods Article SummaryX

To spool a spinning reel, first open the bail by flipping up the handle. Then, string your line straight through the circular guides at the bottom of the rod and secure the line to the spool with an arbor knot. Next, cut any extra line with line cutters before closing the bail and placing the spool on the floor. Pinching the line about 12 inches above the reel, slowly crank the reel to load the line. Stop every 20 cranks to make sure the line isn't twisted. Finally, once the line is 1/8 inch away from the rim, cut it and secure it to the spool. To learn how to choose the best line for a spinning reel, read on! Did this summary help you?YesNo

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Reader Success Stories

  • Ronnie Groves

    Ronnie Groves

    Mar 12, 2019

    "I learned how to put line on my reel and knots I can use. Thanks."
Share your story

Did this article help you?

Yes No Advertisement Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Michael Reynolds Co-authored by: Michael Reynolds Professional Fishing Instructor 30 votes - 79% Click a star to vote Co-authors: 23 Updated: February 24, 2025 Views: 475,896 Ronnie Groves

Ronnie Groves

Mar 12, 2019

"I learned how to put line on my reel and knots I can use. Thanks." Share yours!

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