Setting up a fishing rod and line for freshwater or saltwater fishing is not particularly complicated or difficult to do. If you’re new to the sport, it’s likely you’ve selected a rod and reel combo that’s been recommended by a friend or experienced salesperson. As long as the outfit is balanced and feels right in your hands, you’ll enjoy learning different methods for casting bait and lures. Whether you’re using a light freshwater rod or heavier saltwater rod, the test line that’s best is usually specified on the rod.
Step 1
Engage the free spool lever on a casting reel so that the spool rotates when turning the handle. If you’re using a spinning reel, flip the bail open so it’s in a standing position and perpendicular to the reel. Turn the handle of the casting reel slowly until the small metal peg on the spool is facing up. This is not necessary with a spinning reel.
Step 2
Pull enough new line from a bulk spool until you have a length that’s several feet longer than the length of the fishing rod. If you're using a 7-foot rod, pull about 10 feet of line off the bulk spool. Insert the end of the fishing line through the outside of the smallest guide at the tip of the rod. Insert the end of the line through the next guide and continue to thread it through each of the guides, working away from the rod tip and toward the fishing reel.
Step 3
Pass the end of the line over the top of the spool on a casting reel and pull it out below the spool. Make an overhand knot in the end of the line and leave a small loop that will fit over the peg on the spool. For a spinning reel, make an overhand knot with a loop that’s large enough to fit over the flange on the upper end of the spool.
Step 4
Slip the small loop over the peg on the casting reel spool, or the larger loop over the spool on a spinning reel. Take several turns on the handle to start the line on the reel. Grip the line between your thumb and forefinger to create light tension as you turn the reel handle and wind fresh fishing line onto the spool.
Step 5
Continue to fill the reel spool until the line is 1/8 inch from the outer edge of the spool. Overfilling past this point will affect the casting performance on either type of reel. To provide free line to conveniently attach a fishing rig or lure, stand the rod on end and pull enough additional line from the fresh spool to reach from the rod tip to the reel and cut the line at this point.
Tips and Warnings
- Place the spool of fresh line in a drawer to prevent it from spinning away when winding line on the reel.
Things You'll Need
- Fishing rod
- Fishing reel
- Bulk spool of new line
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