Baitcasting reels are very interesting, to say the least. For those who have never used one of these rods, they cast much differently than their far more popular cousins the ordinary spinning real. Not only are baitcasting reels more difficult to cast than spinning reels but they are also more difficult to put new lines on them too. We are going to try and help you a little bit on how to put fishing line on a baitcasting reel by giving you some of the tips we have learned after doing it several times.
Familiarizing Yourself With Baitcasting Reels
For those of you who are not familiar with baitcasting reels, it’s best to give you a little bit of information about them. That way you will realize why they are a little bit more difficult to put a new line on.
Baitcasting reels are not for everyone. They are mostly used by anglers that are very experienced or by fishermen who are going after heavy fish that are great fighters like Northern Pike and Muskie. Baitcasters can handle much heavier line than spinning reels can.
The reputation bait caster reels have is that they are very tough to cast and it’s true. The reason for this is they require much more initial power to start a cast than a spinning reel does.
The fishing line is also harder to stop once it has been cast. Baitcasters are much easier to birds nest when you are fishing with them too. This is especially true if you don’t put the line on the right when you put a fishing line on a baitcasting reel.
Fishing enthusiasts are known to practice casting for long hours with a bait caster reel trying to master the art of it.
Why are some anglers willing to practice baitcasting reel casts for hours on end? It’s because you can cast much further and much more accurately with a baitcaster reel than you can with a spinning reel.
Put Fishing Line on a Baitcasting Reel – Steps
OK now for the good stuff. How exactly do you put fishing line on a baitcasting reel? If you follow the instructions we are about to give you it’s much easier than you think.
- Before you start
You will need a lot more than just having a roll of braided or monofilament line to do this task with. Here are a few essentials to have stood by to get your new fishing line on your baitcaster.
- Braided or monofilament fishing line.
- Linesman’s pliers (to hold and cut the fishing line).
- Long screwdriver.
- Practice plug.
Lest we not forget the most important thing and that is having a friend or a family member lend a helping hand. You have a much better chance to put fishing line on a baitcasting reel properly if you have someone to help you.
Cold drinks and pizza should cover the cost of their help very nicely.
Step #1: Dispose of your old fishing line properly.
If there is an old line on the reel, of course, you will have to remove it. Please do the world a favor here. Dispose of your old fishing line properly. It can endanger waterfowl, fish and other aquatic life if you simply toss it in the water.
Step #2: Thread the line through the rod loops.
Whatever you do don’t miss one or it could cause problems. If you have ever put a new line on a fishing rod you know the end of the rod loops are very small and easy to miss if you are not careful. You need to start threading at the end of the rod and work your way towards the reel.
Step #3: Loop the end of the fishing line towards.
Loop the end of the fishing line towards the baitcaster around the reel and tie a knot to secure it in place. Have your helper hold the line steady as you tie the knot. Most people prefer to use what is known as a uni-knot in this video.
Step #4: Give the spool of line to your helper.
Have that person put the spool on the long screwdriver blade. This will help the spool of line spin easily as you have the need for more lines when you are reeling it onto the baitcaster.
Step #5: Reel the line onto the baitcaster.
Very slowly start to reel the line onto the baitcaster. It will help very much if your assistant will keep just a slight amount of tension on the line as you reel it onto the baitcaster.
This will help keep the fishing line tight as it goes on your reel. That is important because it will help your line avoid bird nesting upon you as you are fishing.
As the line begins to spool on the baitcaster it may help if you put a little extra tension on the line yourself too.
Do this by gently pressing on the line with your thumb and forefinger. Be careful not to get a rope burn while doing it.
Again we cannot stress enough the importance of taking your time when doing this critical step. You have to make sure you get the fishing line rolled up very tightly on the baitcaster reel.
Step #6: Make a clean cut on the fishing line.
Once you get enough line on the baitcaster reel, then make a clean cut on the fishing line with the linesman’s pliers.
Step #7: Test the rod in a wide-open space.
when you are done test the rod in a wide open space to make sure that your baitcaster is working right with the new fishing string.
This is very important because it is easier to take care of problems at home where you have access to tools.
It is no fun by any means to try and fix problems with your baitcaster reel in the confined space of your boat.
This is best done with a practice plug and that is why we listed these as an important tool to have on hand.
Now You Are An Expert to Put Fishing Line On a Baitcasting Reel
Well, there you have it. It wasn’t so bad, was it? That is unless your friend was constantly distracted and not much of a help.
In all seriousness, if you follow the simple steps above you should have no problems whatsoever getting your new line on the baitcaster reel properly.
You have to pay attention to detail but the steps are not that hard to accomplish.
Not to mention, you will have saved yourself some money in the process by not taking your rod and reel to a professional to get this task done.
