Are you interested in going after heavy fish like Muskie and Northern Pike by using a baitcasting reel and learning how to put fishing line on a baitcasting reel? Baitcasting reels are better than the spinning reels as they can handle very heavy lines, work really well in situations where you might need an extremely accurate cast.
Baitcasting reels help in casting much further and more accurately than a spinning reel. This is why fishermen and anglers prefer to use baitcasting reel and hence, it is important to learn how to put fishing line on a baitcasting reel otherwise, you will not be able to use it properly. Learn more about spincast reel vs spinning reel.
Table of Contents
1. How to Put Fishing Line on a Baitcasting Reel
- A roll of braided or monofilament fishing line.
- Linesman’s pliers for holding and cutting the fishing line.
- Baitcasting Reel
- Long screwdriver
- Practice plug
2. Guide on How to Put Fishing Line on a Baitcasting Reel
It is not really easy to put a new fishing line on a baitcasting reel. Hence it is very important for you to follow the below-mentioned steps properly in order to be an expert on putting a fishing line on the baitcasting reel and using it to catch fish more efficiently.
4. Dispose of the Old Fishing Line:
It there is any old fishing line on the baitcasting reel, then you will have to remove it properly without causing any harm to the reel. It can endanger fish, waterfowl, and any other aquatic life if you just toss it in the water without removing the old fishing line.
5. Thread the Fishing Line:
Start by threading the fishing line through the line guides of the baitcasting reel and the line guides of the rod. You should be careful not to miss out on any line guide as this will put added stress on the line.
Pro-tip: You should start threading very carefully at the end of the rod and gradually work your way towards the baitcasting reel. This way you will not miss out on any line guide. This is an important tip while learning how to put a fishing line on a baitcasting reel.
Thread the line
6. Loop the End of the Line:
Gently loop the end of the line towards the baitcasting reel and then tie a knot to properly secure it in place. Ask somebody to hold the fishing line steadily as you tie the knot.
7. Give the Spool of the Fishing Line:
Provide your helper with the spool of the line and make him or she put the spool on the screwdriver blade. You can either use a screwdriver or a pencil to be put through the eye of the spool of your fishing line while your helper holds it from both the sides. It is essential when spooling a reel that the fishing line comes off the spool in exactly the same direction that it goes on the baitcasting reel. This will help the spool spin easily as you will need more lines at the time of reeling it onto the bait caster.
8. Reel the Line as an Important Step on How to Put Fishing Line on a Baitcasting Reel:
In this step, you are required to reel the fishing line on to the bait caster. Use your thumb and index finger to put the slight amount of tension on the line or ask your helper to put some amount of tension as you begin to retrieve. This helps in keeping the line tight and straight as you reel it. This is an important part as this will help your fishing line to avoid bird nesting upon you at the time of fishing.
Pro-tip: While following this step, you must make sure that you get the line rolled up tightly on the reel otherwise it will not be helpful during fishing.
9. Make a Cut on the Line:
After getting the line on the reel, make a clean cut with the linesman’s pliers on the fishing line. You can then fill the spool from the top making a 1/8 inch gap.
10. Test the Rod:
This is the last step on how to put a fishing line on a baitcasting reel. Once you follow all the above six steps, test the fishing rod to make sure that the baitcaster is working right using the new fishing line. Then you will have no problem getting the new line on your reel and using it while fishing.
If you follow these simple steps on how to put fishing line on a baitcasting reel, you will save yourself some money by not going to a professional.
