Twisted line is the most common problem anglers face, and it’s incredibly frustrating.
You’ve tried every technique you can find to prevent it, but none of them make your spinning reel twist-free.
We’ll explain why your line is still deformed and give you a step-by-step guide of the best way to spool a spinning reel.
Quick Questions Before Starting
Before we get started, let’s cover a few basic questions about this project.
How Difficult is This to Complete?
The process we recommend makes spooling your reel exceptionally easy.
How Long Does it Take to Complete?
Spooling your reel this way only takes about 10 minutes.
How Much Do Materials Cost?
Materials will cost you between $34 or $305, depending on how much you’re willing to spend.
Items Needed
Spooling your reel doesn’t require a lot of items. You will need:
- Spinning Reel
- Fishing Line
- Spooler
Photo credit: outdoorempire.com
How to Put Line on a Spinning Reel Without Twist
Your spinning reel will always have a twist because of how it works. Rather than eliminate this problem, you want to make sure it happens in small amounts and the right location.
You only want to see twists when you cast a line that is out. The best way to ensure your line lays flat on your spool is to use a spooler. This product holds the line in place while you wind and rotates at the same rate your reel turns. This spinning stops twists.
We will teach how to use this product correctly in the steps below. To see a visual representation of how this product works, watch Marx-Fishing’s video below.
Installation
When you buy a line spooler, you will need to put it together before you can start spooling. Follow the simple instructions below to install this product.
1. Insert Handle Into Reel Arm
You will see a handle that resembles the end of a fishing rod. Insert this part into the reel arm, the long curved piece with a rotor on one end.
2. Attach a Bushing to the Rotor
Your spooler should come with two bushings: large (.59 inches wide) and small (.35 inches wide).
These cylindrical pieces hold your spool to the rotor. Choose the correct size and attach them to the rotor arms.
Spooling
Now that you’ve put your spooler together, you can use it to spool your line.
1. Tighten the Top Screw
Before you can attach your reel and spool to this product, you need to tighten the top screw by turning it clockwise.
2. Tie Your Line Onto Your Reel
Next, tie your line onto your reel. Open your bail, and then wrap the line around the spool two times, securing it with an overhand knot. Trim the tag end and move on to the next step.
3. Attach Your Reel to the Handle
Take your reel and attach it to the spooler handle. This process is the same as when you put it on your rod. Loosen the reel seat, place the foot inside, and then tighten.
4. Adjust the Middle Knob
Adjust the middle knob until the rotor arms fit the spool.
5. Loosen the Top Screw
Loosen the top screw so that the rotor can spin when you start cranking.
6. Turn Your Reel Handle
Now you should begin cranking. As you do, the rotor will spin at the same rate as your spool, and the line will go on flat.
That's all there is to it.
Tips for Avoiding Line Twist While Spooling
Now that you know how to use a spooler, here are some extra tips for avoiding line twists.
Have a Professional Spool Your Line
While spooling at home with this product is a fantastic choice, the easiest option is to have a professional do it. Most tackle shops provide this service when you buy a reel or line from them.
All you have to do is bring them your equipment, and they will do the rest of the work for you. These professionals place your spool on a machine, where two rubber ends hold it. Then they wrap your line around a feeder that puts it on. This process makes the line lay completely flat.
Don’t Rely on Putting Line on the Same Way it Goes on the Spool
Many anglers recommend putting your line on in the same direction it goes on your reel. However, this technique only works when the reel spool is the same size as the package spool.
If the original spool is larger, you will get extra line twists. This problem happens because your reel has to turn more than once to get a coil off.
Avoid Overspooling
If your reel has too much line, you will get tangles. Stop spooling once it’s an eighth of an inch from the rim. You will have plenty of lines on your reel without overloading your rod.
Photo Credit: SaltStrong.com
Don’t Crank When a Fish is Running
When a fish takes off, don’t keep turning your handle. Reeling in when this happens causes multiple line twists. Plus, it doesn’t help you catch the fish.
Once the fish stops running, pump your rod up and down. As you lower it, start reeling. Continue this process until the fish takes off again.
Tape the End of Your Supply Spool Down
When you finish spooling, you may store the package in a tackle box. When you transport your equipment from home to the lake, the line may come unraveled and become a tangled mess. To prevent this disaster, tape the open end down.
Conclusion
No matter what, your spinning reel will always cause some twisting. Rather than trying to stop this problem completely, focus on narrowing it to only when you cast.
The best way to ensure your line lays flat is to seek professional help. However, using a spooler is a fantastic at-home option.
You can also prevent twisting by not overspooling or cranking when a fish runs. Remember to tape down your supply spool so it won’t become a tangled mess in your tackle box. Now get out there and get spooling!
People Also Ask
Still, have questions about line twist? Check out the frequently asked questions below.
What is Line Twist?
Line twist is when your line curls up, causing wind knots and tangles. This problem can also decrease your casting distance. Twisting happens because of memory; your line “remembers” the shape of whatever spooled it before, and it wants to hold that shape.
Which Type of Line is Best for Avoiding Line Twist?
You will always get twists using a spinning reel, no matter what line you use.
However, the more you spend, the less likely it is to curl.
You don’t need to go out and spend a ton of money on the fishing line. Even the difference between a $3 and a $6 line can be huge.
Photo credit: saltstrong.com
How Does the Type of Lure Play a Role in This?
Lures designed to spin or roll in the water can cause twists. Adding a swivel can stop this. Instead of connecting your bait directly to your line, use this product. When the lure spins, a swivel will prevent this movement from turning your line.
Why Does Brand New Fishing Line Twist Up?
Many factors contribute to the new line curling up. Memory, improper spooling, and equipment quality can all cause twisting. Plus, any line you use will have some curling when you use a spinning reel, even if you just bought it.
