how much line to put on a spinning reel

How Much Line to Put on a Spinning Reel?

Don’t be the laughing stock of your fishing buddies because you don’t know how much line to put on a spinning reel. Instead of scratching your head and looking like a complete amateur, please read this article as we present the perfect answer. 

We’ll explain how to spool line on a fishing reel in detail, so you will fill the spool like an expert and feel confident in your reel spooling skills the next time you’re heading out with your friends. So please put down your pole and tackle box for a minute, grab a pen and paper to take notes and let’s get started.

Why you need to spool your spinning reel properly

There are many factors to consider when spooling your reel and how much line you need to use:

  • Casting distance: are you shore-fishing and throwing the line far into the ocean to reach the mackerel shoals? That will require more line than fly-fishing for trout in a river or fishing in your backyard pond.
  • Depth of the water: if you are sitting in a boat on the sea and want to catch those deep-sea monsters, you need a longer line than you’ll find on an ice fishing pole.
  • Fish species you are targeting: Some species live in deep water or hard-to-reach places, and you may need to release a lot more line to get to them.
  • Line type: Depending on the type of fishing line, you may add more line to it. For example, a braided line is typically more robust. It has a lower diameter so that you can fit more of it on a reel than a monofilament or fluorocarbon line.
  • Reel type: Some reels are small, others are large, some are baitcasting reels, and others are spinning reels. You can only fit a little fishing line on a small reel.
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How Much Line to Put on Your Spinning Reel (Optimal)

The optimal way to spool a spinning reel is to follow this general rule of thumb: Fill the reel to about 1/8 inch from the rim or lip of the spool. There are several advantages:

  • It won’t overfill the reel.
  • It is easy to distribute the new line evenly and keep the spool leveled.
  • It’s easy to cast and retrieve the line without problems or tangles.

Refrain from over-filling the reel, as it will frustrate you on your next fishing trip. Also, check the manufacturer’s instructions to read about the line capacity and don’t exceed it.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Here are some common mistakes people make:

  • Not checking the line capacity and overfilling it.
  • Not considering the type of fishing you are planning, as different water conditions and scenarios require different line lengths.
  • Not considering the fish species as heavier fish require a more robust line, and deep-water fish require a longer line.

Conclusion

The amount of line to put on a spinning reel varies on many factors, such as technique, fish species, and line type. Follow our advice and stop filling the reel when you have about 1/8 inch left from the top. Also, check line capacity and follow the manual’s instructions. And with this new knowledge, you know how much to use when putting a line onto a reel, and you can go out there and catch those fish hiding in those hard-to-reach spots and impress your friends.