Quick answer
Strip any old line, mount the reel, thread the guides, open the bail, and tie the line to the spool with an arbor knot. Use mono backing first if spooling braid. Keep the filler spool label up, wind under tension, check for twist, and stop about 1/8 inch (3 mm) below the lip.
Spooling a reel looks fussy the first time, but the process is the same every time. Most problems, like twist, loose coils, and tangles, come from a few small habits you can control.
This guide focuses on spinning reels, since they are the most common for beginners. It then covers how baitcast and spincast reels differ. If you are still choosing a reel, our guide to the best beginner fishing reel can help.
What you need
You do not need much to spool a reel. A helper makes it easier, but you can do it alone with a simple setup.
- The reel, and the rod you plan to fish it on
- A new spool of line that matches the rating printed on the reel
- Scissors, or braid scissors if you use braid, since braid is tough and dulls ordinary blades
- A damp rag or towel to create tension and protect your fingers
- Mono backing of 8 to 10 lb if you are spooling braid
- A homemade spooler: a pencil through the filler spool with a helper holding it, a narrow cardboard box that holds the spool, or a peg to hold the pencil in place
- Optional: a spooling station, a stand that holds the filler spool and keeps steady tension so you can spool alone
- Optional: a line counter to measure how much line goes on, and a line stripper for old line
Remove the old line first
If you are changing line, take the old line off before you do anything else. Old line left on the spool makes it hard to judge fill level and can hide twist.
- Reel it off by hand into a pile, or use a line stripper.
- For a faster option, chuck a Phillips screwdriver in a drill, slide the reel spool on, and run it slowly. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for your reel.
- Cut the old line into short pieces and throw it away, since loose line can harm wildlife.
Spooling a spinning reel step by step
Follow these steps in order. Braid users should do the backing step before tying on the line.
Check the line size and capacity
Match the line weight to the rating printed on the reel. The capacity and line rating are on the spool. Do not put heavy line on a reel built for light line, such as 30-lb on a reel meant for 10-lb. If you are unsure, check the manufacturer’s specifications.
Mount the reel and thread the guides
Attach the reel to the rod. Pull line from the filler spool and thread it through each guide, starting at the one nearest the reel and ending at the tip. Doing this first means you never have to thread a full spool.
Place the filler spool so line comes off counter-clockwise
Set the new spool on the floor or a table with the label facing up. The line should leave the spool counter-clockwise, which helps prevent twist. If the line later jumps and twists, flip the filler spool over, because the factory winding direction can be out of sync with the reel.
Add mono backing first if you are using braid
Braid can slip around a bare spool, and mono grips the arbor better. Tie the backing on using the knot in the next steps, then wind it on. Join the braid to the mono with a double uni, Albright, or blood knot. For a double uni, use about 5 turns of mono and 10 turns of braid. Plan on 20 to 30 yards (18 to 27 m) of backing for a 2500-size reel holding 240 yards (220 m) of 10-lb braid. As a general rule, aim for a 50/50 split of backing and braid, with at least 75 yards (69 m) of braid. If you use mono, fluorocarbon, or a spincast reel with braid, you can skip to the next step.
Open the bail
Flip the bail open before you tie on. With the bail closed, the line cannot be wrapped and tied properly around the spool.
Tie the line to the spool with an arbor knot
Wrap the line around the spool arbor. Tie an overhand knot around the standing line, then tie a second overhand knot in the tag end. Pull the line so the knot slides down snug against the spool, then trim the tag end close.
Pull off the first 10 to 15 feet of line
Pull only 10 to 15 feet (3 to 4.5 m) of line from the filler spool before you start winding. This keeps the line from tangling at the start.
Close the bail and wind under steady tension
Close the bail and turn the handle at a steady pace. Pinch the line between your fingers, or run it through a damp rag, so it goes on snug. Braid can cut bare fingers, so the rag is the safer choice. Loose line can bury itself and cause tangles later.
Check for twist as you go
After 8 to 10 turns of the handle, stop, open the bail, and pull off a foot (30 cm) or so of line. If it curls or coils, flip the filler spool over and continue. Check again every 10 to 15 cranks.
Stop at the right fill level
Fill until the line sits about 1/8 inch (3 mm) below the spool lip. Sources vary from full to 1/16 inch to 3/16 inch (1.5 to 5 mm) below, so 1/8 inch is a safe middle target. Too much line jumps off in coils, and too little hurts casting.
Cut and secure the line
Cut the line from the filler spool. Tape the end to the filler spool so it does not unravel. Clip the line to the reel’s line clip if it has one, then close the bail.
Removing memory and twist
Memory is the tendency of line to hold coils from the spool. Mono has the most, fluorocarbon and copolymer have a modest amount, and braid has the least. Soaking the reel spool in warm water for 3 to 5 minutes helps the line conform.
Spinning reels also add a small amount of twist with each turn of the bail. To clear it, remove your terminal tackle and let the line trail behind a slowly moving boat or in a current, then reel it back in.
Choosing line strength
Stay within the rating printed on the reel. Braid is thin for its strength, since 20-lb braid has about the same diameter as standard 6-lb mono.
Spooling a baitcaster
The main difference is that the filler spool must be held so line comes off the top, and the line goes through the level wind.
Thread the line
Feed the line through the front line guide and the level wind.
Tie to the spool
Tie an arbor knot on the spool, or run the line through the ported hole if your reel has one. Trim the tag end.
Set up the filler spool
Have a helper hold a pencil through the filler spool like a wheel on an axle, with line coming off the top. The helper presses lightly on the spool to keep tension while you reel. If you are alone, use a spooler or a homemade setup.
Wind and fill
Reel steadily under tension. Fill from 1/8 inch (3 mm) below the top up to the top.
Secure the line
Cut the line and tape or clip the end to the filler spool.
Spooling a spincast reel
Braid works on a spincast reel if it stays within the reel’s printed rating, and old line can serve as backing.
Remove the cover
Take off the front cover to expose the spool.
Tie to the spool
Tie an arbor knot and trim the tag end.
Wind under tension
Hold the line tight as you reel, and fill to about 1/8 inch (3 mm) from the lip.
Replace the cover
Put the cover back on without pinching the line.
Fly reels
Fly reel spooling is outside the scope of this guide. Follow the reel manufacturer’s instructions.
Common mistakes
- Letting line go on slack and then wondering why it tangles on the first cast
- Pinching braid with bare fingers instead of using a rag
- Forgetting to tape the end of the filler spool, so the line unravels in the bag
- Tying braid straight to the spool and finding it spins on the arbor
- Using a line far heavier than the reel’s printed rating
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. How much line should you put on a spinning reel?
Fill to about 1/8 inch (3 mm) below the spool lip. Check the capacity printed on the reel for the line weight you chose.
Q. Do you need backing when spooling braid?
It is a good idea. Mono grips the arbor better than braid, so the braid does not slip around the spool. The amounts are in the braid step above.
Q. How do you put line on a spinning reel without twist?
Keep the filler spool label up so line leaves counter-clockwise, and check for twist every 10 to 15 cranks. If the line coils, flip the filler spool over.
Q. Can you use braided line on a spincast reel?
Yes, if it stays within the reel’s printed rating. Tie it on with an arbor knot, and keep it tight when you replace the cover.
Q. Can you spool a reel by yourself?
Yes. Use a spooling station or a homemade spooler with a pencil, box, or peg. Hold tension with a damp rag.
Ready to buy?
Once your reel is spooled, you may want to compare options in our roundup of the best spinning rod under 100. Best trout fishing line
