← Anglers’ Corner
Put Line on a Spinning Reel Without Twist
A step-by-step method for loading a spinning reel with the bail, tension, and fill level under control.
Prepare the reel
Confirm the line rating, mount the reel on a rod, and pass line through the first guide. Open the bail before tying line to the spool.
Load under tension
Close the bail by hand. Hold light, steady tension on the incoming line and turn the handle. Watch for loose coils or loops and correct them before continuing.
Stop before overfilling
Leave a small gap below the spool lip. An overfilled spool sheds loops; an underfilled spool reduces casting distance. Dispose of trimmed line responsibly.
Adapted and expanded from the Instructables guide “How to Put Fishing Line on a Spinning Reel.”