Three common rod and reel combinations set up in similar ways. Spincasting rod and reel combos give beginners the best chance of fishing without serious gear mishaps such as tangled lines and backlashes. Spinning rod and reel combos offer finer control and longer casts. Baitcasting rods and reels handle heavier baits and lures and larger fish, but require expert control. If you can rig one, you can rig them all, with fishing tackle designed for different conditions and types of fish.
Step 1
Match the rod to the reel. Tackle shops sell rod and reel combinations in matched pairs--an ultralight rod with an ultralight reel, for example. Spinning reels with open spools and wire bails match spinning rods with larger line guides than rods designed for baitcasting or spincasting reels.
Step 2
Attach the reel to the fishing rod by placing one end of the reel foot--a metal bracket below the reel housing--in the rod's fixed socket. Sockets may be metal fittings mounted on the handles or indentations built into the handles.
Step 3
Slide the movable fitting over the other end of the reel foot. Push it firmly into position and tighten. Rods sometimes use threaded pressure plates tightened by turning a knurled knob on the other side of the handle. Another common method is a double ring nut which threads over the movable fitting itself. Tighten the first ring nut and lock it in place by tightening the second.
Step 4
Loosen the drag on the fishing reel. On spincast reels, a thumbwheel controls drag pressure. A knob on the front of the spool adjusts the drag on spinning reels. Baitcast reel controls may be either mechanical or electronic. Set the drag to 1 or 2 lbs.
Step 5
Run the fishing line through the line guides, ensuring that the line passes through the round port of the guide, not the bracket--an easy mistake to make.
Step 6
Tie the line to the eye of a ball bearing swivel with a Uni Knot. Pass the line through the eye and double it back. Turn the free end back again toward the swivel. Pass the end over the doubled strand and through the loop this forms six times. Pull the knot tight. Clip the excess line one quarter inch from the knot, with either fingernail clippers or a pocket knife.
Step 7
Open the "safety pin" catch on the swivel and clip on the loop of a pre-tied hook and leader. Slip the hook over one of the line guides and reel in the line slightly for safe transport or storage.
Step 8
Crimp a split shot on the fishing line 6 inches above the swivel with the fishing pliers to add casting weight.
Tips and Warnings
- Check for correct alignment between the reel and the line guides. If the reel shifts to either side, friction increases on the line and casts shorten.
- Don't let reels freewheel. Line could loosen and overwrap on the spool. Baitcast reels easily backlash when spinning with no drag set.
Things You'll Need
- Fishing rod
- Fishing reel
- Monofilament line
- Ball bearing swivel
- Nail clippers or pocket knife
- Hook and leader
- Split shot
- Fishing pliers
Member Comments