You Just Bought a New Spinning Reel. Now What?
There it is, a shiny new open face spinning reel, ready for your next fishing adventure. You’ve got your rod, your tackle box is stocked, and you’re eager to hit the water. But first, you need to get line on that spool. It seems simple, yet doing it wrong can lead to a day of frustration filled with line twists, bird’s nests, and lost fish.
Putting line on an open face reel, or spinning reel, is a fundamental skill. When done correctly, it lays the foundation for smooth casting and reliable retrieves. When done haphazardly, it creates problems that unravel your patience. This guide will walk you through the professional method, explain why each step matters, and help you avoid the common pitfalls that plague many anglers.
Understanding Your Open Face Reel
Before you even touch the line, it helps to know what you’re working with. An open face or spinning reel has a fixed spool that doesn’t turn during the cast. The line peels off in loops as the weight of your lure pulls it. This design is fantastic for preventing backlashes but is more susceptible to line twist if not spooled under proper tension.
The key components for this task are the spool itself, the drag adjustment knob on top, and the bail arm that flips open and closed. Your goal is to fill the spool evenly and tightly, with the line coming off the filler spool in the correct direction to minimize inherent twist.
Gathering Your Tools and Materials
You don’t need much, but having the right setup makes the job effortless. First, you need your new monofilament, fluorocarbon, or braided fishing line. Check the reel’s specifications for the recommended line capacity, usually printed on the spool itself. A 250-yard spool of 10-pound test is a common starting point for many freshwater setups.
You’ll also need a pencil, a Phillips-head screwdriver, or the dedicated line spooling tool that sometimes comes with line. Most importantly, you need a way to create tension. This can be as simple as having a friend hold the filler spool on a pencil, or you can put the pencil through the spool and press the ends between your feet or knees while sitting down. A damp cloth pinched around the line also adds excellent, adjustable tension.
The Step-by-Step Spooling Process
Follow these steps in order for a perfect line lay every single time.
Step One: Run the Line Through the First Guide
Start by attaching your reel securely to your rod. Open the bail arm completely. Take the end of your new line from the filler spool and thread it through the first guide on your rod, the one closest to the reel. Then, run it under the bail arm and onto the reel spool itself.
Now, you need to tie a secure knot to attach the line to the spool. The Arbor Knot is the standard and simplest for this job. It’s a small, reliable knot that won’t slip.
– Pass the line around the reel spool and tie a simple overhand knot around the standing line.
– Tie a second overhand knot in the tag end, just an inch or two from the first knot.
– Pull the main line tight. The second knot will jam against the first, preventing any slippage.
– Trim the excess tag end close to the knot.
Step Two: Apply Constant, Firm Tension
This is the most critical part of the entire process. Close the bail arm. Now, you must create a system where the line is coming off the filler spool under consistent pressure. If the line goes on loosely, it will dig into itself on the first hard hookset or when fighting a fish, causing a sudden snap.
Take your pencil or screwdriver and slide it through the center hole of the filler spool. Have a friend hold the ends, or sit in a chair and press the ends of the pencil firmly between the soles of your feet. The filler spool should rotate freely, but with resistance. Alternatively, pinch the line between the folds of a damp cloth with your free hand as you turn the reel handle.
Step Three: Wind On the Line Correctly
With tension applied, begin turning the reel handle at a steady, moderate pace. Watch the line as it winds onto the spool. It should lay down in even, tight coils. Use your thumb and forefinger to gently guide the line back and forth across the spool for the first dozen turns to ensure it starts evenly.
Pay close attention to the direction the line is coming off the filler spool. The spool should be oriented so the line is coming off the side that rotates counter-clockwise as you look at it. A simple trick: if the line starts to develop loops or twists as you wind, stop, flip the filler spool over, and continue. The correct orientation will produce smooth, twist-free winding.
Step Four: Fill to the Proper Capacity
Continue winding until the spool is filled to about 1/8 inch from the rim. Do not overfill it. If the line is flush with or over the spool’s lip, it will spill off in tangles during casts. Underfilling the spool significantly reduces your casting distance.
That 1/8-inch gap is the sweet spot. It allows the line to flow off the spool freely during the cast while maintaining maximum capacity. Once filled, cut the line from the filler spool, leaving a comfortable leader’s length. You can now tie on a lure or a leader system.
Critical Troubleshooting and Pro Tips
Even when you follow the steps, issues can arise. Here’s how to diagnose and fix them.
Dealing with Line Twist During Spooling
If you see small coils or kinks forming in the line as it comes off the filler spool, you have twist. Immediately stop reeling. The most likely cause is the filler spool orientation. Flip it over and try again. For monofilament, you can also drag the line behind a boat or let it all out in a current-free area to remove pre-existing factory twist before spooling.
What If the Line Layers Unevenly?
An uneven line lay, where line piles up on one side of the spool, can cause friction and reduce casting performance. First, ensure you are guiding the line evenly by hand for the initial wraps. If the problem persists, your reel may have a worn or incorrect spool shim. Consult your reel’s manual; many spinning reels allow you to add or remove thin washers under the spool to adjust the alignment.
The Braided Line Difference
Braided line is incredibly strong and thin but is also very slick. If you spool braid directly onto a smooth metal or plastic spool, it can slip, causing the entire spool of line to spin without moving the drag. The solution is to apply a backing. First, spool on about 30-50 yards of cheap monofilament, tie it to your braid with a strong knot like the Albright, and then spool the braid on top. This provides a gripping surface and saves money by not filling the entire spool with expensive braid.
Alternative Methods and Final Checks
Not every situation calls for the classic pencil-and-tension method. If you’re at the tackle shop, many have mechanical line spoolers that do an excellent job with perfect tension. You can also buy portable line spooling tools that clamp to a table and include a tension dial.
Once your line is on, perform a final check. Reel up any slack so the line is taut. Open the bail and pull off 20-30 feet of line by hand. Does it come off smoothly? Does it spring back with coils or lay straight? If it’s coiled, you likely have twist. Reel it back under the tension of your fingers pinching the line. Often, reeling it back under load can help settle it.
Your First Cast and Beyond
For your first few casts, don’t go for maximum distance. Make moderate casts and watch the line flow off the spool. Listen for any unusual sounds. After a day of fishing, especially if you’ve caught fish or snagged and pulled free, it’s a good practice to trim off the first 10-15 feet of line. This section takes the most abrasion and wear.
Remember, line is a consumable item. Re-spooling your open face reel at least once a season, or more often if you fish frequently, is the best guarantee against break-offs. A fresh, properly spooled line gives you confidence in your gear, so you can focus on finding fish and setting the hook.
Ready for the Water
Putting line on an open face reel is more than a chore; it’s the first connection between you and the fish. Taking ten extra minutes to do it right prevents hours of untangling knots and wondering why your casts fall short. The process boils down to tension, orientation, and proper fill level. Master these three principles, and you’ll have a reliable foundation for everything that happens next on the water.
Now that your reel is ready, check your knots, organize your tackle, and make a plan. The water is waiting, and with your gear prepared correctly, you’re not just going fishing—you’re going catching. Tight lines.
