How to Change a Spinning Reel

All fishermen must change the line on their spinning fishing reels from time to time. Anglers who fish extensively – on a weekly basis or more – should apply new line at least once every month. Anglers who fish just a few times a year should change their line at least one time each season. Fishing line becomes weak through use, and anglers who do not change it risk losing fish that they otherwise would catch.

Things You'll Need

  • Scissors
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Instructions

    • 1

      Flip open the reel's bale, which is the metal piece around the spool. Pull the old fishing line off the spool and discard it in the garbage.

    • 2

      Attach the spinning reel to a spinning fishing rod, which is the type without a trigger hanging beneath the reel seat. Place the foot of the reel, which is the flat part, in the rod's reel seat. Turn the hoods on the reel seat clockwise to tighten them over the foot of the reel.

    • 3

      Thread the fishing line through the line guides on the rod, beginning with the tip and ending at the guide nearest the reel.

    • 4

      Wrap the fishing line twice around the spinning reel's spool, and then tie an overhand knot -- the type you would use to tie knots in your shoelaces -- to attach it.

    • 5

      Close the spinning reel's bale.

    • 6

      Reel line onto the reel until it is 1/4 inch below the rim of the spool.

    • 7

      Cut the fishing line so that 20 inches or so hang from the end of the fishing rod.