How to Line a Fishing Pole: Expert Tips for Beginners

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Load new line onto your spinning, Spincast, or fly fishing reel
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If you run out of fishing line or you notice your old line is tangling or breaking easy, it’s time to load new line onto your pole. Spooling new fishing line onto a reel might seem complicated if you’ve never done it before, but it’s actually pretty easy. We talked to fishing instructors Kathy Sparrow and Michael Reynolds for tips on how to load different types of reels so you can get back to fishing!

How to Put Line on a Reel

  1. Lift the wire arm on your reel, called a bail.
  2. Run the line through the guides on the pole.
  3. Tie the end of the line to the reel, then trim any excess line.
  4. Close the bail and crank the handle to start loading the line.
  5. Make sure the line rotates in the same direction that the reel spins.
Section 1 of 5:

Loading Spinning and Baitcaster Reels

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  1. On spinning reels, the bail is the little wire arm hanging off the reel. Lift the line up to open the bail, and lift it down to close the bail. If there’s any line left on the reel, unwrap it and throw it away.
    • Baitcasters don’t have a bail, so you won’t need to do this step.
  2. The line guides are the small loops hanging off the underside of the rod. Start at the far end of the rod, pushing the line through each loop and towards the reel. [1]
    • If you have a Baitcaster reel, you’ll also need to run the line through a little hole in the reel.
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  3. Wrap the end of the fishing line over the spool (the indented cylinder in the middle of the reel). Bring the end of the line back towards you and tie the line together in a secure knot. [2]
    • Any knot will work, but an arbor knot is a popular choice. To make an arbor knot, wrap the line around the spool, then secure it with an overhand knot . Tie a second overhand knot at the free end of the line, then pull the strings to tighten both knots against the spool.
    • Use scissors or nail clippers to trim any excess off the free end of the line so it doesn’t tangle as you load the spool.
  4. Pull the wire arm down as far as it will go. This locks the line in place. If the line comes undone, lift up the bail and redo the knot.
  5. Crank the rod’s handle to figure out which way the bail rotates. Then, hold the spool of new line with the label facing up and pull a little of the string off of the line to see which direction it comes off. If they’re both going the same direction, you’re ready to start spooling. [3]
    • If the bail rotates the opposite direction that the line unwinds, flip the spool upside-down so the label is facing the floor—the line and spool should now rotate in the same direction.
    • For Baitcaster rods, it can be helpful to stick a pencil through the spool and have someone else hold it. You can also purchase a reel spooler or make one by placing the spool on a screwdriver pushed through a cardboard box. [4]
  6. Use your free hand as you hold the rod in your other hand. Reynolds says, “Always apply tension to the spool of line when you’re applying it to a reel.”
    • The tension will help keep the line from bunching up and tangling as you load it.
  7. Continue gripping the line as you crank the handle. Load the line until it’s about 1 ⁄ 16 – 1 ⁄ 8  in (0.16–0.32 cm) below the spool's rim. Cut the line to detach it from the new spool to finish.
    • Make sure you keep an eye on the line. If it starts to bunch up or tangle, unspool the line, detangle it, and load it again.
  8. Go to the end of your fishing rod, away from the handle. Leave about 5–6 in (13–15 cm) of line hanging down from the tip of the rod. Cut the fishing line off of the spool beyond this point.
    • Tie your weights and hooks to the end of the fishing line, and you’re ready to get started again!
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Section 2 of 5:

Spooling a Close-Faced or Spincast Reel

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  1. Twist the top part of the reel counterclockwise until it’s loose enough that you can pull off the cap. Some beginner-friendly models have a button you can press to pop off this cap. Remove any old line by spinning the handle to unwind it. [5]
    • Close-faced and Spincast are different names for the same reel. These reels have a cover over the spool, so loading them is a little different than a typical spinning reel.
  2. Look for the small rings along the length of the fishing rod. Starting at the rod’s tip, run the new line through the holes towards the reel. [6]
  3. Pick up the cap and run the line through the hole in the top. If you don’t do this now, you won’t be able to get the cap on later when you need it. Don’t attach the cap to the rest of the reel yet.
  4. Wrap the line twice around the reel, making sure it goes on the same way the reel rotates. Then, knot the line with a slip knot , clinch knot , or arbor knot . Make sure the line is securely tied and tight before you move on. [7]
    • If the reel rotates clockwise, the line should be wrapped around it counterclockwise. If the line is unwinding in the opposite direction of the reel, flip the spool of line upside-down and try again.
    • If you’re winding the line the wrong way, you’ll probably notice the line bunching up and tangling as you reel.
    • Use scissors or nail clippers to trim away any excess away from the free end of the line so it doesn’t tangle the rest of the line as you load it.
  5. Use your free hand to apply a light amount of pressure on the line as you spool it onto the reel. This will keep the line tense, preventing it from tangling.
  6. Hold the line taut between your thumb and index finger, applying a little bit of pressure to keep the line straight. Turn the handle so the line wraps around the reel. [8]
    • Go slowly—if you notice the line tangling or bunching up, unspool it and try again.
  7. Load the line, but don’t fill the reel completely. According to Reynolds, the line should be at least 1 ⁄ 16 inch (0.16 cm) below the spool's rim.
    • Overfilling the spool can make the line come undone, so you’ll have to load it all over again.
  8. Grab the reel’s cover, which should have already been threaded with the new line. Twist it clockwise onto the reel to secure it in place. [9]
  9. Go back to the tip of the rod. Get a pair of scissors and snip the line beyond the tip’s end. Avoid clipping the line that’s hanging from the line guides under the rod.
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Section 3 of 5:

Spooling Line for a Fly Fishing Reel

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  1. Fly fishing line uses at least 2 different types of line, so get a spool of backing and a spool of fishing line. For a stronger line that catches more fish, invest in leader line and tippet.
    • Backing line is the heaviest and cheapest type. Get some marked with a weight of 20 to 30 lb (9.1 to 13.6 kg). It’ll be about 20 ft (6.1 m) long. [10]
    • Look on your rod to find a number signifying the the weight of fly line you’ll need. These lines are typically around 80 to 90 ft (24 to 27 m) long. [11]
    • Get tapered leader line made of monofilament or fluorocarbon. You’ll need a roll about 9 ft (2.7 m) long, although you can lengthen it for deeper waters and shorten it for shallow water or windy conditions. [12]
    • Purchase 2 to 4 ft (0.61 to 1.22 m) of tippet line that’s thinner than the leader line. It’s rated on an X scale, where 01X to 08X are strong enough for large fish like striped bass and lines from 1X to 8X are for smaller fish like trout. [13]
  2. Wrap the end of the backing line around the groove in the spool. Bring it all the way around and back up to your hand. Tie the end of the backing to the rest of the line with an arbor knot. [14]
  3. No matter which type of line you’re using, load the line the same way the reel normally rotates. For a reel that spins clockwise, the line should always be spooled on clockwise too.
  4. Let between 50 to 100 yd (46 to 91 m) out of the spool. Wrap it tightly on the reel. Do this by hand unless you’ve got a spooling machine on hand. Snip the line with scissors when you’re done. [15]
  5. Unwind a little bit of the fly line from the spool. Pick up the end of the backing line that’s on your reel, then tie them together with an Albright knot . Make sure the knot feels secure so you don’t lose your fly line while fishing! [16]
    • For the Albright knot, make a loop with the heavier line. Run the lighter line through it and wrap it 10 times over the heavier line back towards the loop. Bring it back down through the loop and pull the lines tight.
  6. Wind the line the same way you did with the backing. The fly line will fill up most of the reel and should be about 1 ⁄ 8  in (0.32 cm) below the reel’s lip. If you don’t plan on adding a leader or tippet line, you’re done spooling new line.
  7. If you’re adding leader line , take the end of the fly line and tie it to the end of the leader line. #*For tying a leader, Reynolds says, “If you’re tying a monofilament leader to a monofilament or fluorocarbon main line, use a Triple Surgeon’s Knot. If you’re trying a braided leader to a mono or fluoro main line, use the RP knot.”
    • You can also use another Albright knot or a nail knot. [17]
  8. Wind the line by hand or by using the spooling machine. Get it as tight over the fly line as you can make it. It’ll protect your fly line and make it more visible to the fish. [18]
  9. You don’t have to add a tippet line , but it’s easier to tie to the fly. The easiest way to tie these lines is with a double surgeon’s knot. You’ll place the lines side by side, facing opposite directions before looping them into a knot. Spool the entire tippet line onto your reel when done. [19]
  10. Take about 5 to 6 in (13 to 15 cm) of the last line on your reel and pull it through the eye of the fly’s hook. The improved clinch knot or turtle knot are both good options for securing the fly. Get the knot as tight as you can make it, then trim off the end of the line before going fishing. [20]
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Section 4 of 5:

How to Choose Fishing Line

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  1. You’ll typically see a label that says “Line Capacity” with numbers that look like “230/10”. The first number refers to the length of the line and the second is the weight of the line. [21] For this example, you'd fill the line with about 230 yd (210 m) of 10 lb (4.5 kg) fishing line. The capacity may also be broken down into mono or braided lines.
  2. Sparrow says, “The line you use depends on your location. If you’re fishing in freshwater, don’t use saltwater line—that’s meant for warmer, tropical waters. If you’re not sure, you can always go to your local fly shop for information.”
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Section 5 of 5:

FAQs

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  1. Run the line under the bail and through the guides. If your spool isn’t attached, attach it to the rod. Then, find the end of the fishing line and pass it under the bail with the bail closed. Then, thread the line through the guides along the pole, running from the bottom (near the reel) to the top.
    • If it’s difficult to pull the line off of the spool, look for a small thumbwheel on the reel. Use this wheel to adjust the drag on the line until it comes out easily.
  2. Use cheaper backing to avoid wasting more expensive line. Backing is commonly used in fly fishing, but you can also put it on a spinning reel if you don’t want to fill the whole reel with a more expensive line, like braided filament.
    • If you use backing, make sure to tie it to your primary line with a secure knot.
  3. Memory means that fishing lines retain the shape of their original spool. Most packaging spools have a bigger diameter than most reel spools, so the loops in the line can be a little bigger than the reel. This difference may contribute to line twist and tangling.
  4. Some people believe soaking the line resets the memory. If you want to try it, wind the line onto the spool, then carefully remove the spool from your rod and drop it into very warm water for about 10–15 minutes. However, not everyone finds this helpful, so if you want to skip it, that’s okay. [22]
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Expert Q&A

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  • Question
    How do I know what fly line to use?
    Kathy Sparrow, MA
    Fishing Instructor
    Kathy Sparrow is a fly-fishing instructor and adventurer at heart. Kathy is the co-founder and previous manager of the Kingfisher Inn, a fly-fishing lodge on the Lower Laguna Madre in Texas. She is the author of "On the Mother Lagoon: Flyfishing and the Spiritual Journey" and "The Whispered Teachings of Grandmother Trout” a novel conveying the feminine perspective of fly fishing. Kathy is also a Certified Canfield Trainer in Canfield Methodologies. She guides individuals through the process of embracing change by expressing confidence, awareness, and courage through the tools of writing, fly fishing, and intentional conversation. She has a MA in English with an emphasis in Literature and Cultural Studies from the University of Texas-Pan American.
    Kathy Sparrow, MA
    Fishing Instructor
    Expert Answer
    Think about where you're going fishing! You don't want to use a saltwater line if you're fishing freshwater, as saltwater lines are more for tropical, warmer waters. If you can, look for a local fly shop in the area and see what they recommend—they know the water and what works best there.
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  • Question
    I heard that soaking the new line in warm water may be helpful. Is this true?
    Community Answer
    It does help, if your line is twisted after it goes on the reel. Take the real spool off and soak the line in warm water for about 10 minutes. As long as the line goes on with a minimum of twist, it does not need to be soaked in warm water.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
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  • Question
    Do those theories apply to braided fishing line as well?
    austin luo
    Community Answer
    No, braided line doesn't have the memory problem like mono and fluorocarbon fishing line so you don't have to soak it.
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      Tips

      • Don’t discard old fishing line by throwing it on the ground or in the water. Take it to a line recycling bin, which you can find at most tackle shops.
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      • If you are using braided line, put cloth tape or a layer of monofilament on the reel to help hold the line in place.
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      • Using a line conditioner before spooling may help the line go on the reel with less twisting.
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      References

      1. ↑ http://goneoutdoors.com/wind-fishing-line-onto-reel-6728302.html
      2. ↑ http://www.bassfishingandcatching.com/spooling-fishing-line.html
      3. ↑ https://youtu.be/eygAOYgdxt0?t=116
      4. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L9zE8zPxl-c&t=70s
      5. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eKlsSejU4Tw&t=40s
      6. ↑ http://goneoutdoors.com/spool-closed-face-fishing-reel-8754643.html
      7. ↑ http://goneoutdoors.com/put-line-closedfaced-fishing-reel-6123982.html
      8. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eKlsSejU4Tw&t=122s
      9. ↑ http://goneoutdoors.com/spool-closed-face-fishing-reel-8754643.html
      1. ↑ http://globalflyfisher.com/fish-better/first-setup
      2. ↑ http://globalflyfisher.com/what-is/what-is-a-fly-rod
      3. ↑ https://www.afwfishing.com/uploads/Fishing%20Line%20and%20Leader%20Guide.pdf
      4. ↑ https://www.gruppodp.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/CATALOGO-BULK-2019.pdf
      5. ↑ http://troutster.com/how-to-put-fly-line-and-backing-on-a-fly-fishing-reel-setup/
      6. ↑ http://troutster.com/how-to-put-fly-line-and-backing-on-a-fly-fishing-reel-setup/
      7. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l2b6NFfcZag&t=68s
      8. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3OQtVVuIMQU&t=210s
      9. ↑ http://globalflyfisher.com/fish-better/first-setup
      10. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LIsD5-W6pFE&t=1s
      11. ↑ http://globalflyfisher.com/fish-better/illustrated-knot-table
      12. ↑ https://www.takemefishing.org/how-to-fish/fishing-gear-and-tackle/how-to-choose-fishing-line/
      13. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eygAOYgdxt0

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      If you want to spool new fishing line onto a closed face reel, unscrew the face of the reel and unwind any old line that is left in it. Then, feed your new line through the pole’s guides by starting at the tip and working towards the reel. Next, feed the line through the hole in the reel’s cap and tie it to the reel. Use the handle to wind the string onto the reel in the same direction the reel spins. Finally, screw the cap back on and cut off any extra line. To learn how to load baitcaster reels and fly fishing reels, read on!

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