How to Spool a Spinning Reel to Avoid Line Twist?

Spooling a spinning reel properly is key to avoiding annoying line twists. With a few simple steps, you can keep your line smooth and tangle-free, making your fishing trips much more enjoyable. Follow this easy guide to get it right and spend more time fishing, not fixing.

Line twist occurs when the cast of line wraps onto the reel in a way that doesn’t match its natural lay. Imagine coiling a garden hose; if it’s twisted, it won’t lay flat and will tend to wrap and tangle. The same principle applies to your fishing line.

Explore other reasons for tangled fishing lines and fix them.

The Science Behind Line Twist

Here are the most common causes of line twists:

1. Incorrect Spooling Direction: The most common culprit. If the line comes off the spool in the opposite direction of how it goes onto the reel, it twists.
2. Reeling Against the Drag: When you reel in while a fish is pulling against the drag, it adds twists to the line.
3. Improper Bail Closure: Closing the bail by cranking the handle instead of using your hand can twist the line every time.
4. Spinning Lures: Lures like spinners and spoons that rotate in the water can cause the line to twist if used without a swivel.

The Correct Method to Spool a Spinning Reel

We’ve tested various techniques and found that following these tips with a precise method prevents line break-twist and enhances your overall fishing experience. Here’s how we do it:

Step 1: Gather Your Tools

Before starting, make sure you have everything you need:

• A spool of fishing line (mono, fluorocarbon, or braid)
• Your spinning reel
• A pair of scissors or a line cutter
• A damp cloth or heavy glove for applying tension
• A line spooler (optional but helpful)

Step 2: Position the Line Spool Correctly

This is a critical step that many beginning anglers overlook. Place the line spool on the ground, table, or a flat surface with the label side facing up. Why does this matter? Because the line should come off the spool in the same direction, it will go onto your rod and reel.

For most spinning reels, the line spools should come off counterclockwise when viewed from above.

We always start by reeling in a few turns to ensure the right positioning and then checking for twists. If the line twists, we flip the spool over and try again. If you have a line spooler, it can help maintain the correct tension and direction.

Step 3: Attach the Line to the Reel

Now that your bottom filler spool and rod tip spool are positioned correctly, it’s time to attach the line spools and filler spool to the spools of your reel. This is where many beginners make mistakes, so pay close attention.

• Start by threading the line through the rod guides and down to the reel.
• We prefer using an arbor knot to tie the line securely to the reel spool. This knot is simple, reliable, and holds the line firmly.
• We recommend placing a small piece of electrical tape over the knot to prevent slipping, especially with braided lines. This helps the line grip the spool better.

Step 4: Apply Proper Tension While Spooling

Proper tension is the secret to avoiding line twists. If the line is too loose, it will lay unevenly on the spool, leading to future tangles. If it’s too tight, it could damage the line, properly spool, or the reel.

We use a heavy glove or a damp cloth to apply pressure on the line as it’s being reeled in. This allows us to control the tension and ensure the line is spooled tightly and evenly.

Running the line through a phone book is another effective way to maintain consistent tension.

Why do we emphasize tension? Because a tightly spooled line is less likely to dig into itself or create gaps, which are common causes of line twists.

Step 5: Spool the Line

With the line threaded, the knot secured, and the tension method in place, it’s time to jump-start the process of spooling.

Here’s How We Do It?

• We reel in the line slowly, maintaining constant tension. This ensures that the line lays flat and evenly across the spool.
• Every few turns, we stop to check the line for any signs of twisting or uneven layering. If we notice any issues, we correct them immediately by adjusting the tension or flipping the line spool.
• Overfilling the spool can cause the line to spill off while underfilling reduces casting distance. We leave about 1/8 of an inch of space from the edge of the spool.

Do You Spool a Spinning Reel Clockwise or Counterclockwise?

This is a common question, and the answer usually depends on your reel’s design. However, as a general rule, we recommend spooling your spinning reel counterclockwise to avoid line twists.

This direction typically matches the natural rotation of the reel on most setups, helping to reduce the chance of tangles. It’s always a good idea to check the manufacturer’s specifications for your reel to ensure you’re following the correct spooling method for optimal performance.

We’ve found that spooling counterclockwise works best for the majority of spinning reels. If you’re unsure, we recommend reeling in a few feet of line and checking for twists. If you see any, flip the spool and try again.

How to Keep the Line Tight When Spooling a Spinning Reel?

As we’ve emphasized, maintaining proper tension is crucial. But how do you keep the line tight without professional equipment? Here are our tried-and-true methods:

1. Using a Heavy Glove or Damp Cloth

These are simple yet effective tools that anyone can use to start fishing with. We prefer a heavy glove because it allows us to grip the line firmly without discomfort. A damp cloth works just as well, providing the finger with the right amount of friction to keep the line tight.

A tight line lays evenly on the spool, reducing the chances of tangles and twists. These methods give us precise control over the tension, ensuring that the line doesn’t slip or spool unevenly.

2. The Phone Book Method

Another effective technique is to run and stretch the line through the pages of a phone book. By adding weight on top of the book, you can increase the tension as needed.

The phone book method allows for consistent tension across the entire spooling process. We can easily adjust the weight or pressure by adding or removing objects on top of the book.

Common Mistakes That Lead to Line Twist and How to Avoid Them

Even experienced anglers can make mistakes that lead to line twists. Here are some common pitfalls and how we avoid them:

• Overfilling the Spool: Overfilling causes tangles. We leave about 1/8 of an inch from the spool’s edge to prevent spills.
• Incorrect Spooling Direction: Spooling in the wrong direction twists the line. We test by reeling a few feet; if it twists, we flip the spool.
• Ignoring Line Memory: Pre-soaking the line in warm water relaxes it, reducing memory and twists. (Read More: Do You Need to Soak New Fishing Line?)

To prevent line twists, use a swivel to stop lure spin from affecting the line, close the bail manually to avoid unnecessary twists, reel only when the line is slack to avoid reeling against the drag, and ensure regular maintenance with periodic checks and cleaning to keep reels in optimal condition and twist-free for longer life.

Speaking of life, you should read this one as well: How Long Does Fishing Line Last?

FAQs

What is the best line for spinning reels?
The braided line is ideal because it has almost no memory, which helps reduce twist issues. Monofilament lines and fluorocarbon are also great choices but require careful spooling and tension management to avoid problems. Some anglers also prefer using a monofilament backing before adding a braid for added grip on the spool.

How tight should I spool the line?
Spool the line tight enough to feel firm when pressed but not so tight that it digs into itself. You can use a glove or a cloth to apply consistent pressure while re-spooling to ensure even tension.

Can I fix the line twist after spooling?
Yes! Let the braided or monofilament line out behind a moving boat or in open water without any tackle to naturally untwist. Alternatively, make several long casts and retrieve without lures. If the twist is severe, you may need to re-spool entirely.

What are some recommended knots for connecting a braided line to a leader?
The double uni knot and FG knot are both reliable options for connecting braided lines to a monofilament or fluorocarbon leader, ensuring a strong and smooth connection that won’t catch on your rod guides and prevent line twists.

You might want to read: Fishing Line Keep Coming Off? Here’s How to Fix It.