How to Spool a Fishing Reel (Spinning & Baitcasting Guide)

Putting fresh line on your fishing reel is one of those essential maintenance tasks that can make or break your time on the water. Whether you’re gearing up for a new season or just swapping out old line, knowing how to spool a fishing reel correctly is key to avoiding frustrating tangles, poor casting distance, and even lost fish.

Have you ever ended up with a bird’s nest of line on your reel, or line that just springs off in coils? That’s usually a sign it wasn’t spooled properly. Getting it right from the start ensures smooth line flow and maximum performance from your gear.

This guide will walk you through the process of spooling the two most common types of fishing reels: spinning reels and baitcasting reels. While the goal is the same – getting line onto the spool – the methods are quite different.

Don’t feel intimidated. Spooling a reel is a straightforward process once you understand a few simple principles. Let’s get your reel ready for action so you can cast with confidence!

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Gather Your Gear

Before you begin, make sure you have everything you need:

• Your fishing rod and reel
  
• A new spool of fishing line (make sure the line weight is appropriate for your reel)
  
• Scissors or line clippers
  
• A way to hold the supply spool so it can turn freely (a friend, a bucket of water for spinning reels, or a pencil)
  
• Optional: Backing line (like monofilament if using braid), electrical tape, knot-tying tools
  

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How to Spool a Spinning Reel

Spinning reels are popular for their ease of use, but they are particularly susceptible to line twist if not spooled correctly. Pay close attention to the direction the line comes off the supply spool.

Step 1: Mount Reel

• Attach the spinning reel firmly onto your fishing rod.
  

Step 2: Find Supply Spool Direction

• Place the supply spool of line on the floor with the label facing up.
  
• For most spinning reels, the line should come off the bottom of the supply spool when you reel.
  
• A good test is to wind a few turns; if the line on the reel is twisting, flip the supply spool over.
  
• Another method is placing the spool in a bucket of water, allowing it to rotate freely.
  

Step 3: Tie to the Arbor

• Open the bail on your spinning reel.
  
• Thread the end of the line through the first guide on the rod (the large one near the reel).
  
• Tie the line to the spool’s arbor (the core).
  
• A common knot is the Arbor Knot, which tightens securely on the spool.
  
• You can also use a Palomar knot around the arbor or simply tape an overhand knot securely.
  

Step 4: Close Bail & Start Winding

• Close the bail arm.
  
• Hold the rod (or secure it).
  
• Apply light tension to the line coming from the supply spool by lightly pinching it between your fingers.
  
• Begin turning the reel handle at a steady, moderate pace.
  

Step 5: Monitor for Twist

• After a minute of winding, stop and let the line hang loose from the rod tip.
  
• If it begins to twist and coil on itself, stop, cut the line off the reel, flip the supply spool over, and start again from Step 3.
  

Step 6: Fill Correctly

• Continue winding with tension, checking for twist occasionally.
  
• Fill the spool until the line is about 1/8 to 1/4 inch from the lip.
  
• Do NOT overfill, as this causes line to spill off and create tangles.
  
• Underfilling reduces casting distance.
  

Step 7: Cut Line

• Once filled correctly, cut the line from the supply spool.
  

Step 8: Secure Line

• Use the line clip on the spool (if present), or open the bail, loop the line around the spool once, and close the bail.
  

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How to Spool a Baitcasting Reel

Baitcasting reels spool line directly onto a rotating drum. The method is different from spinning reels, and it’s less prone to twist from the spooling process itself, though improper technique can still cause issues.

Step 1: Mount Reel

• Attach the baitcasting reel firmly onto your fishing rod.
  

Step 2: Find Supply Spool Direction

• The line should come off the supply spool going over the top toward the rod guides.
  
• Place the supply spool so it can rotate freely—use a pencil, box, or line spooler.
  

Step 3: Tie to Arbor

• Thread the line through the rod guides to the reel.
  
• Pass the line through the level wind mechanism.
  
• Tie the line directly to the spool’s arbor using an Arbor knot or overhand knot with tape.
  
• Ensure the knot is snug against the arbor.
  

Step 4: Close Bail & Start Winding

• Close the level wind mechanism (if applicable).
  
• Begin winding the reel handle steadily.
  

Step 5: Guide the Line

• Use your thumb to apply firm, consistent tension to the line coming from the supply spool.
  
• Use your opposite thumb and forefinger to guide the line evenly across the spool.
  
• Make sure the line lays down in smooth, flat layers from left to right.
  

Step 6: Fill Correctly

• Continue winding and guiding the line with tension until the spool is filled.
  
• Leave a slight gap (about 1/16 inch) from the edge to prevent backlash.
  
• Do not overfill.
  

Step 7: Cut Line

• Once filled correctly, cut the line from the supply spool.
  

Read more: HOW-TO SURF FISH: THE BASICS OF SALTWATER FISHING

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General Tips for Spooling Any Fishing Reel

• Maintain Consistent Tension: Prevents loose coils and ensures tight, even line lay.
  
• Use Backing Line: Save money and prevent slippage on the arbor. Use a strong knot like the Palomar Knot or uni-to-uni.
  
• Don’t Overfill: Overfilling causes line to jump off.
  
• Consider Line Type: Mono is beginner-friendly. Fluorocarbon needs more care. Braid requires tight winding.
  
• Spool Tightly: The finished line should feel compact and firm—not spongy.
  

Properly spooling your fishing reel is a simple maintenance step that pays dividends on the water. It reduces frustration and helps you fish more effectively.

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FAQ: Common Spooling Questions

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Final Thoughts

Learning how to spool a fishing reel is an investment in better fishing. Take your time, follow these steps, and you’ll be ready for a smooth, successful day of casting.