putting line on the reel...TIPS?

[RatherBfishN]

Do you guys have any tips on putting line on your reels? Half way through last season my line went hay-wire and looked more like a telephone cord and I got lots of those nasty tangles we all hate.

[CrappieJohn]

Most of the tangles in line are not from being put on wrong, but from closing the reel's bail by turning the handle. Close the bail by hand and you will eliminate this headache almost completely.

Once you re-spool with new line, try walking off about thirty yards of it loose on the ice. A windy day makes this easy. Then close your bail ( by hand!)and put tension on the line when you reel it in. Rig up and you are ready to go.

Jigging and some of the jigging lures cause radical twist woes, so taking the time to strip out the line and re-reel each trip is well worth the time.

[Carp-fisher]

Here's what I do:

When putting new line on a spinning reel, I tie the line on the spool (or to some backing line already on the spool) and then set the spool of line flat on the floor. I reel about 10 times and then hold out a few feet of slack line. If the slack line begins to twist, that means the line is going on backwards. If that is the case, flip the spool of line on the floor over. Then reel till full. Next, take the spool off the reel and soak it line and all in a bowl of warm water for about 15 minutes. Oil up the reel and off you go. Soak your reel spool in warm water every few weeks. This will keep your line soft and help to eliminate the birds nest.

[RatherBfishN]

Tom

You are right, in the past I've closed the bail not by hand. Didn't really realize that was the problem. Thanks much!!!

[delmuts]

tom is right with the bail, and pay attention to your line. if you see twist developing, let it out so it can unwind. i have to do this a lot in the open water season too . jigs( even little ones) can add alot of twist to a line.

[fishinalot]

Great tips guys!

[Northlander]

This is some work but try this if its a big issue. Get a large used empty spool from the baitshop and have them run your small filler spool onto it. Then when you get home fill your reel off of the large spool. Seems to help with the coiling. The letting out of line in a boat or on the ice is a very effective way.