How to Spin a Reel: A Step-by-Step Guide

Every year the fishing world takes leaps in bounds in innovation. Whether it’s a new piece of technology being used on fishing rods or a new technique that’s emerging in popularity, fishing as a sport will always better itself. Yet with all the advancements and new ways of catching fish, nothing will beat the basics. Fishing, more so than reliance on the equipment, is really about finesse. Fishermen thousands of years past have been angling with what basically amounts to a stick, hook, and line and yet they were able to make it work. Obviously, we shouldn’t start fishing with sticks. The point is that being able to masterfully use dated equipment is better than overly relying on the new gear. 

One of the best indicators of a seasoned angler is the way they handle a spinning reel. This reel was first made with the intention of helping anglers cast artificial lures easier as prior to its invention, other baitcasting reels had a hard time with lightweight lures used for trout and salmon. The spinning reel also took away the problem of backlash as the spinning reel rotates the spool, unlike a baitcasting reel which often became a tangled mess. Spinning reels also have other advantages such as being easier to cast in the wind as well as its accuracy. These reels are easy to cast over minor hindrances such as branches, bushes, rocks. Although this may seem trivial, spinning reels can be detached and switched depending on an angler’s dominant hand.

Nowadays when choosing a spinning reel there are a few things to consider such as weight and size, gear ratio, material, and drag system. Size and weight are simple enough as it’s important to match your line test to a proper reel that can handle it. Gear ratio is all about how fast or slow a line can be reeled in. Lower ratioed spinning reels feel better when dealing with large fish because of it’s slow and steady torque. Faster reels can work both ways as you can crank slower. There are many types of spinning reels out in the market, it’s best to pick and choose which one works the best for a particular rod. 

Despite knowing what reel to get, the most important thing is to know how to use it. 

Here is a Step-by-Step Guide on How to Spin a Reel

Spinning a Reel

1.Check the Line

Before even spinning a reel, it’s best to check the type of line being used. As spinning reels are much lighter than regular reels. Some variations of fluorocarbon and monofilament are large enough for them to have a chance of slipping off of the reel spool. Firelines are usually used to reel in fish weighing from around 10 lbs to 12 lbs. Braided lines are also a good choice for many anglers as it’s both incredibly strong and has a long casting distance. The only problem when using it, however, is that it can be visible underwater and may cause fish to be line shy. There are pros and cons to using any type of line. It’s best to use the one that suits the type of fish being caught.

2. Open the Bail

It’s surprising how common it is for anglers to forget this step, seeing as failing to do so would mean starting from scratch. Open the bail to make sure the fishing line gets picked up when it’s to tie it. Otherwise, you would have to remove the line and re-tie everything back again.

3. Attach the Line 

It doesn’t take much to attach the line to the spool. Start from the top and thread downwards through the hole in front of the reel. Secure the line on the spool using a knot. Most anglers use either an overhand or uni knot. The type of knot usually matters little especially at a lower skill level, being able to secure the line is much more important. Tie the line twice around the spool, then secure it again with another knot. It’s also possible to connect differing lines using a knot. This is important in terms of saving money as not the entirety of old lines is completely worn out. It’s also efficient as anglers won’t have to spin a line as much as when the reel is completely empty.

4. Wind the Line Into the Reel

Probably the simple and most recognizable step, it’s simultaneously both the easiest and hardest thing to do. It’s easy in that winding the line is only through a simple yet careful motion. Oftentimes, the easy winding motion can deceive anglers into not paying attention. The most important thing when winding the line in is to pay attention to the orientation of its spool. It’s actually good to do this step with a friend in order to keep the line straight. When cranking the reel, always look for how the line looks. After 10 or so cranks the line should slacken into relaxed loops. On the other hand, the line could also look like stiff coils. In the event that does happen just simply flip the spool and start over. Do this over and over until you’ve fully cranked the spool. Finally, just tie the lure at the end and you’re ready to go.

Spinning a reel doesn’t have to be hard. Most times anglers have a hard time spinning a reel due to simple negligence. Though messing up isn’t that bad, it’s still a very time-consuming activity each and every time the line coils up. Instead of freely being able to fish, anglers will have to keep re-wind the lines until it lines up perfectly. Another tip anglers should do to have a smooth fishing experience is to put in fresh lines a day before going out on a trip since it's highly likely that the previously used ones are worn out. It’s also common knowledge to bring extra lines when heading out. This is especially true when going out into the sea as saltwater is highly corrosive. Other than that, there may be instances where the line may snap, either because of debris or a really strong fish so having spare lines will definitely come in handy. All in all, being prepared is a sign of a good angler. Being able to spool a spinning reel is one of the most basic and important things any angler should know.