Baitcasters are among the most common fishing reels being used today. Just like the spincasting reels and spinning reels, baitcasters also flaunt several advantages as well.
But for you to fully utilize the full capacity of this tool, you should learn how to use it first. And among the things that you should discover is the proper spooling process. How to spool a baitcaster? Then you should read this article!
The success of your fishing depends on your familiarity with your tools. Aside from your skills, the correct usage of various fishing equipment is the key to a successful catch! For example, the service of kayak fish finders and lures will give you a pleasurable fishing experience on freshwater applications!
A baitcaster is not different from these tools. In fact, it is your primary arsenal so that you can seize those prized trophies that you are dreaming! But before you can get far, you should know its basics first. Of course, we are talking about spooling here!
How to Spool a Baitcaster
The appropriate method of spooling a baitcaster enhances your success and fun in fishing. Specifically, it will help you decrease the tendencies of snapping your line. Well, you should also pay attention to the quality of your line as well. After all, if you use a fragile line, things will still not go smoothly.
Most of the seasoned fishers put the lines on their baitcaster even before the fishing season arrives. In this manner, they can quickly take themselves in the water once it is a fishing already. However, things could not go as smooth as you expect it to be.
If there is a need for you to remove the line because of snarling and other defects, then you should spool again. The said skill will guarantee that you won’t cancel your fishing trip.
What You Need
Follow the steps below for the proper spooling of a baitcaster:
#Step 1
The first thing you need to do is to assure that you are spooling on the right direction. It is a crucial step that you shouldn’t miss. Specifically, you need your line to go with the reel on the same direction as your filler spool.
Typically, the line spools on a baitcasting reel on a clockwise direction. But some manufacturers do not follow this conventional design. Fortunately, determining where the reel is winding is pretty easy. Just inspect the front portion of your reel (while you are turning its handle). Check in which way the bail arm go. Obviously, if it is going in a clockwise direction, then you should spool the line clockwise, too! Never miss this step for a smooth spooling!
#Step 2
Take your line. Before you spool, you have to wipe it first. Even if it is a new line, you still need to clean it with a paper towel or rag. You need to remove the grit and dirt that could lessen the durability of the line.
#Step 3
Next, you have to mount the baitcaster reel on your fishing rod. Make sure you do it on a stable or flat surface so things wouldn’t go so wobbly. After everything is set, you can pass the line coming from the filler spool towards the reel. Specifically, you should go through the first four guides that are present in the front portion of your reel.
While passing the line, make sure that the bail is open. If not, then you can alternatively move the line below the arm of the bail.
#Step 4
Threading your line through a level winder will also help. Specifically, the latter appears like a small wire loop. A level winder aids your line to pass as smooth as possible throughout the entirety of the spool. On the same manner, it prevents the line from clogging in a single area.
#Step 5
Let your line go through several rounds in the spool. Once you feel that you made enough turns, you can tie the line already. In this part, you can ideally apply the overhand knot. This one is a basic knot but guarantees a firm and tight hold. After knotting, you can cut the excess lines that are near your knot.
#Step 6
Put a wooden dowel (or a pencil right through the spool. Particularly, the latter will act as a form of an axle that will maintain the straightness of the line. Moreover, it will stop the spool from rolling down away. If you have a friend with you, let him/ her assist in holding the wooden dowel.
#Step 7
At this point, you can already put the line to the spool of your baitcaster. You have to turn the crank handle of the baitcaster, which is commonly present on the right portion of a baitcaster. Once you put enough layers of lines through the spool, you can already hasten the pace quite a bit.
#Step 8
In filling the spool, you should always adhere to the recommended level of the manufacturer. In this way, you will avoid over-spooling or under-spooling. Usually, the reel size and line thickness dictate the quantity of line that you put on your reel.
Therefore, you can only put a little amount of line on a reel if you are using a 50-pound variety. On the same manner, a 20-pound line allows you to do more spooling.
The lip of the spool typically comes with a marking that indicates the maximum amount of line (in yards) that you can spool on a reel.
Conclusion
Overall, the process of spooling a line on baitcaster reels is not that difficult. It comes with a lot of steps but it they are fairly simple and doable. In fact, you can easily master all of the procedures in few tries. However, you should practice more so that you can achieve a consistent and satisfactory result.
Moreover, you can fully enjoy the benefits of fishing if you have the proper gears and equipment. If you are so negligent about this, then your time in the water would be dull and annoying!
Did you learn from this article? Tell us your experiences in using baitcasting reels in the comment section below!