How to Load Line on a Closed Spinning Reel

Spin-cast reels are commonly chosen by new anglers for their ease of operation. Unlike spinning reels which have an open face, spin-cast fishing reels, also known as closed or closed-face reels, have a cover which encloses the line and spool. Because closed-faced reels are designed for use with monofilament fishing line, which is subject to deterioration from exposure to sun and water, experienced anglers load their reels with new line at the beginning of each season.

Things You'll Need

  • Scissors
  • Monofilament fishing line
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Instructions

    • 1

      Unscrew the cover from the top of the reel. Push the button on the bottom of the reel, to release the line, and pull the old line from the reel. Cut the end of the line free of the reel spool with a pair a scissors.

    • 2

      Stand a new spool of monofilament fishing line up on one end. Thread the end of the line through the bottom rod guide. Wrap the end of the line around the reel spool, twice in a counterclockwise direction. Pull the line tight and tie the line off with a half-knot. Wrap the line around the spool once clockwise and tie the line off tightly with a triple half-hitch. Cut off the tag end of the line, down to 1/4 inch, with the scissors.

    • 3

      Pinch the line between the thumb and forefinger of one hand. Turn the reel crank with your free hand until the reel spool is filled with line to within 1/4 inch of the edge of the reel spool.

    • 4

      Cut the line with the scissors and pull the line from the rod guide. Thread the line through the hole in the reel cover and screw the cover on the reel.