My collection of rods and reels is constantly growing, and it’s becoming harder to remember what lb. line I have spooled up on each reel. Does anybody know a good way to label either the rods or reels to quickly and easily see what line is on it. Thanks for any input!
Good question.
I usually have 12 rods on deck, so I know what you're saying. Trying to remember what pound line is on each rod, or if it's mono or flouro, can be tough. After a few years you'll begin to remember what reel is spooled with what, IF you never change.
What I've done in the past is either have the info on my phone, or keep a piece of paper in your boat, bag etc with all the info on it.
Past few seasons I've been using a small piece of white cloth tape and a decent ball point pen.
I write the line size & type - F & M to indicate fluorocarbon or mono. (A letter is not needed for braid)
On casting reels I place it on the bottom of the reel foot (seat).
On spinning reels I put it on the inside of the spool cup.
The locations on both reels remain dry for the most part.
If there is ever a question as to what's on what reel, it's only a matter of taking the reel off and looking: or in the case of the spinner - check inside the spool.
Taking the reel off or looking under the spinning reel spool takes a few seconds but the answer is always there.
And there's plenty to keep track of . . .
A-Jay
Similar to above - just a piece of masking tape and a sharpie : F12 , M15 , braid is just a number (i.e. 30).
i used to label mine but stopped a few years ago for some reason. now i dont know what the heck i have on a few of those reels. i always placed my labels on the curved underside of the reel mounting base before i attach it to the rod. tape and pens always worked for me. i have a P-Touch label maker that would also work i suppose.
I wouldn't want to put masking tape on my rods. If you're going to use tape, I'd either use color coding electrical tape or a good quality labeling tape that doesn't leave a residue, like this stuff.
I'd just keep a little micrometer handy to check weight of line. You should be able to tell type of line. Do you really care what brand it is at that point? You can google 'fishing line thickness guide' to find a chart to print and keep in your boat. After a while, you'll learn the thickness.
This micrometer operates with just one hand, and it's tiny. I've got one and really like it. Made by Mitutoyo.
I just know in my head what's on what, though I usually don't have more than 5 combos with me at a time
Hard to beat the suggestions already provided. I asked this a while back, and frankly, haven't gotten around to implementing what I planned to.
I've also used a mircometer in the past for braid before I got used to it (though that's not as convenient as having something on your rod or reel).
You can also consider using something quick and color coded: electrical tape or zip ties: cold (blue) is your lightest line, yellow intermediate (maybe 10 or 12) and red is heavy. I've used different scales for spinning and baitcasting. Of course, close is good enough for me: I might want to differentiate between 10 or 20 lb braid at a glance on a spinning rod, but I won't really care if it is 10 or 12 lb mono on a baitcaster.
I just keep the proper lure tied on when I respool.
I fish 12 and 15 lb BG, and heavy braid most of the time, so there is no confusing them, but a piece of masking tape or those round labels work well. I have several sets of identical rods, so I label those 1.2.3.4 directly on the bottom of the cork with a sharpie.
I have been putting a wrap of white electrical tape at the base of the rod with info on pound test and date spooled. I can always tell line type by looks. Braid is obvious, clear is flouro, and green is mono. It keep is simple with only buying green mono.
I have a poorly-updated spreadsheet I keep to track parts/line/maintenance times for my reels, but I do not keep up with it. I only really use 4-5 different lines over around a dozen combos and am trying to keep working to use the smallest number of lines on all of them.
I am a braid to leader guy.
My system:
Casting reels:
8:1 reels = 50lb braid (these are my frogging, flipping, punching, pitching, etc reels..)
7:1 reels = 30lb braid (these are my "All Purpose" reels)
6:1 reels = 20lb braid (these are my cranking, jerkbait, topwater reels)
Spinning reels ALL get 10lb braid.
Not real scientific, but it's simple and easy to remember for me.
For me I just know what line is on what type of rod after so many years of experimenting. The closest thing I come to labeling is the color coded rod sleeves like in A-Jay's pic. Black is jig, black/red is t-rig, red is spinnerbait, blue is crankbait, yellow is spinning w/8-10lb line, and the purple is for the two sissy ML 6lb spinning rods. This makes things easy to figure out but I need to buy some more sleeves as some were lost after my last tournament.
Allen
The lews tournament Pro G reel (and new replacement tourney Pro LFS) have a line indicator on the spool tension knob which I always thought was kind of a cool feature. Surprised it's not available on other Lew's reels below the $200 mark.
On 11/25/2018 at 9:41 PM, Hank. said:I wouldn't want to put masking tape on my rods. If you're going to use tape, I'd either use color coding electrical tape or a good quality labeling tape that doesn't leave a residue, like this stuff.
I'd just keep a little micrometer handy to check weight of line. You should be able to tell type of line. Do you really care what brand it is at that point? You can google 'fishing line thickness guide' to find a chart to print and keep in your boat. After a while, you'll learn the thickness.
This micrometer operates with just one hand, and it's tiny. I've got one and really like it. Made by Mitutoyo.
that seems like a lot of extra work when you can just mark it instead of buying an additional piece of equipment and then have to use it on top of all that.
On 11/26/2018 at 11:18 AM, flyfisher said:that seems like a lot of extra work when you can just mark it instead of buying an additional piece of equipment and then have to use it on top of all that.
Isn't buying an additional piece of equipment what fishing is all about?
Seriously though, I already have a couple micrometers for work, so it didn't cost me anything. And it's not really extra work, labeling everything could be considered extra work. Some people wouldn't want labels on their high-dollar rods, they might like this option.
It's not for everybody, but then labeling is not for everybody either.
I have a Brothers labeler and print the line weight and type in red on white 1/2 " label tape and wrap it on the rod right behind the reel on the rod hard surface. They have proven to be water proof and come off easily when the line/reel changes on the rod. I also keep the data on a rod/reel Word 10 chart with chart lines listing each rod and its weight, the reel and its speed on the rod, the line on the reel and date the line was spooled on the reel. I also have a second chart showing the date the reel was purchased and the date it was cleaned/modified.
I've waited too long. I know what pound test is on most of them, but not what brand....and whether or not it is mono or co-polymer. (Unless it is Neon Tangerine. ) Not positive on a couple with braid. I originally planned on putting it all in a notebook as I'm not concerned when on the water. Sometimes I forgot. Sometimes I couldn't find the notebook.
Lots of great replies, thanks guys! I ended up finding a package of labels online for both line size and lure types. Of course I could have made my own labels, but I figured for $5 I would try these out. I ended up really liking them! www.tackleboxlabels.com is where’s I got them. Haven’t been able to try them out on the water to see if they hold up or not, but time will tell. We have that hard water problem up here in Wisconsin right now.
I use a Brother pTouch label maker and stick it on the reel. I have a lot of identical reels/rods so without the label it would be hard to tell some of them apart.
What I really need to start doing is putting dates on them so I know how fresh it is.
On 1/7/2019 at 10:48 AM, Elkins45 said:I use a Brother pTouch label maker and stick it on the reel. I have a lot of identical reels/rods so without the label it would be hard to tell some of them apart.
What I really need to start doing is putting dates on them so I know how fresh it is.
I have the same labelmaker. I've gone so far as to put small labels on the inside lid of my terminal box so I know at a glance which compartment has my 1/16oz bullet weights and which has my 1/4oz; which is my 2/0 EWG hooks and which is my 4/0.
I'm still sorting the rest of my tackle, so haven't labeled the boxes yet.
Labeling the reels will provide a second check - I already have the info in Evernote and my phone is always with me.
I try really hard not to pull out my phone when I’m in a boat. Having taken one swimming after doing the boat splits, I’m not in the mood to drop one overboard.
+1 for using a label maker. It makes all the difference in the world for me. I use an older Brother P-touch to print a 1/2" label with the line and when spooled and apply it to the reel somewhere. I've never had an issue with the label coming off using their standard tape.
At first I was hesitant because I thought it looked funny, but nobody is looking at my reels. Now I have one label for the line and another for when (if) I have serviced them inside. See the spool of this spinning reel:
I use the poorly updated spreadsheet for when I am in my house doing something and don't wanna go look in my garage. When on the water or in the garage I color code my line Fluoro is "Crystal Clear" color and Mono is "Moss Green". I only use 10# Mono, 12# Fluoro and 17# Fluoro so I can tell by feel what Fluoro is what. Braid is obvious. Oh and on my spinning reels they are all tied with 8# mono so I don't have to worry their either. Good Luck in how you decide to organize.
On 1/7/2019 at 10:56 AM, Elkins45 said:I try really hard not to pull out my phone when I’m in a boat. Having taken one swimming after doing the boat splits, I’m not in the mood to drop one overboard.
Sorry to threadjack...I use these...every time out
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01I1430WQ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_a01mCbAKAC7XD
I made a simple table in Word which lists my reels, the line on them, date spooled and date cleaned.
I use fluoro on most of my setups. H=15# MH=12# M=10# ML=8# L=6#
The braid is easy. 50# on BC and 8/1 on spinning.
3 2500 spinning with 10# mono
I also keep a spread sheet with each setup, the last serviced date and the last line change date. That takes all of the thought process away except checking the sheet once in a while.
I have been using OneNote to track my rods, reels, line size, lure size, usage etc. It works great.
On 11/25/2018 at 11:54 AM, Travis Gasper said:My collection of rods and reels is constantly growing, and it’s becoming harder to remember what lb. line I have spooled up on each reel. Does anybody know a good way to label either the rods or reels to quickly and easily see what line is on it. Thanks for any input!
These seem like they would be something you might be interested in since they also have line type on them as well:
https://www.tacklewarehouse.com/Highwaters_Creations_Tackle_Tags_Line_Labels/descpage-TACKL.html?from=Google&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIwaHqwJrc3wIVCNlkCh34jAKCEAQYASABEgIHDPD_BwE
I use a google doc spreadsheet I can access on my phone.
My ml spinning rod has 6# mono on it. One bc and one spinning reel have 10# mono, and the rest get 15# big game. I've spooled them enough now that I can remember which reel gets what line, but when I started out I wrote down the line size on the piece of tape I used to cover the backing on the spool.
If you don't know what line is on what rod, you have too many rods in my opinion. I only have a dozen rigs in which only 8 make the boat (no room for more.) And usually only 5 make it on the deck. I don't fish tourneys so I don't mind taking 1 minute to retie/change baits. 16 rods on the front deck looks (to me) like you don't have a clue....
On 1/8/2019 at 1:37 AM, RB 77 said:
These seem like they would be something you might be interested in since they also have line type on them as well:
https://www.tacklewarehouse.com/Highwaters_Creations_Tackle_Tags_Line_Labels/descpage-TACKL.html?from=Google&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIwaHqwJrc3wIVCNlkCh34jAKCEAQYASABEgIHDPD_BwE
I looked at those! I ended up getting some that are very similar, pretty much the same thing. They work great.
On 1/8/2019 at 7:34 AM, detroit1 said:If you don't know what line is on what rod, you have too many rods in my opinion. I only have a dozen rigs in which only 8 make the boat (no room for more.) And usually only 5 make it on the deck. I don't fish tourneys so I don't mind taking 1 minute to retie/change baits. 16 rods on the front deck looks (to me) like you don't have a clue....
I have 16 bass setups, and I only bring 6 or 7 on my boat at a time. It’s just nice to have them labeled for a quick glance and knowing exactly what’s on there. I have two Abu Garcia Pro Max baitcasters for example, one with 17lb. fluoro and one with 20lb. fluoro. I don’t want to have to remember which one has the 17 and which one has the 20. I have four Abu Garcia Ike Series rods with Abu Garcia Revo SX reels on them. You get where I’m going here? Labeling just makes sense.
Out of honest curiosity, why would you need to know after the rod is set up? I mean, if you keep a dozen rods on deck I'm guessing that each is set for a specific reason.
When would you go to pick up a rod designated for throwing chatter baits, etc. and think, 'oh crap, what size line is on the reel?'
Not trying to be a wise acre, asking out of pure ignorance.
On 1/10/2019 at 8:53 PM, LionHeart said:Out of honest curiosity, why would you need to know after the rod is set up? I mean, if you keep a dozen rods on deck I'm guessing that each is set for a specific reason.
When would you go to pick up a rod designated for throwing chatter baits, etc. and think, 'oh crap, what size line is on the reel?'
Not trying to be a wise acre, asking out of pure ignorance.
Perhaps think of fishing line as a tool - certain ones for certain jobs.
Now imagine that none of your tools have the sizes marked on them.
So all your sockets, wrenches for instance, were just sitting there, looking at you.
You can probably guess at the size; sometimes you're close, sometimes not - and every once in a while - you'll nail it.
But then you spot this other tool box, that's plum full of tools and they are all marked by size -
There's your Huckleberry
A-Jay
@LionHeart what @A-Jay said up above. Couldn’t say it by better myself. And when you go to re-spool it’s easier to know what size was on there if you wanted to put the same back on.
Some of my higher end Quantum have line weight indicators in the butt section of the rod. You just turn the dial to whatever weight line you have on that rod/reel.
On 1/11/2019 at 2:03 AM, Travis Gasper said:@LionHeart what @A-Jay said up above. Couldn’t say it by better myself. And when you go to re-spool it’s easier to know what size was on there if you wanted to put the same back on.
I guess I can sort of understand the point you guys are trying to make, but in my mind it's like saying this. (Stick with me here)
Let's say I have to change the PTO on my riding mower, and instead of using one socket wrench and grabbing the various sockets that I will need to do the job, I grab 12 socket wrenches and attach a different size socket to each wrench. I then label each wrench according to the task it will perform. On one wrench, I write 'Idler pulleys,' another I write 'Deck Level Retainer,' another 'PTO Clutch Bolt.'
At this point, the size of the socket on each wrench is irrelevant because I have set up each wrench according to the task it will perform. All I need to know is the task it is intended to perform.
In my mind, this is what we do as fisherman when we have 5, 10, 12, etc. rods on deck at the ready. Each rod has already been set up according to its purpose. Wondering what size line is on my finesse plastic rod would be like picking up a wrench labeled 'Idler pulleys,' and wondering if it had a 1/2 or 9/16 socket attached. It wouldn't much matter because that wrench is already to go for its intended purpose.
I hope that makes sense to anyone but me. The winter months are rough.
On 1/11/2019 at 3:13 AM, TOXIC said:Some of my higher end Quantum have line weight indicators in the butt section of the rod. You just turn the dial to whatever weight line you have on that rod/reel.
Make an aftermarket version, sell for $5/butt cap, and retire!
On 1/11/2019 at 3:24 AM, LionHeart said:I guess I can sort of understand the point you guys are trying to make, but in my mind it's like saying this. (Stick with me here)
Let's say I have to change the PTO on my riding mower, and instead of using one socket wrench and grabbing the various sockets that I will need to do the job, I grab 12 socket wrenches and attach a different size socket to each wrench. I then label each wrench according to the task it will perform. On one wrench, I write 'Idler pulleys,' another I write 'Deck Level Retainer,' another 'PTO Clutch Bolt.'
At this point, the size of the socket on each wrench is irrelevant because I have set up each wrench according to the task it will perform. All I need to know is the task it is intended to perform.
In my mind, this is what we do as fisherman when we have 5, 10, 12, etc. rods on deck at the ready. Each rod has already been set up according to its purpose. Wondering what size line is on my finesse plastic rod would be like picking up a wrench labeled 'Idler pulleys,' and wondering if it had a 1/2 or 9/16 socket attached. It wouldn't much matter because that wrench is already to go for its intended purpose.
I hope that makes sense to anyone but me. The winter months are rough.
The winter months are rough ~
A little walk down memory lane ~
Apply your logic of rod use to line use, selection & identification, and you'll be there.
A-Jay
My problem (besides sometimes jealousy), is that I don't have enough rigs and a bigger boat to house them. I am pretty happy (and gratefull) with what I do have....
On 1/8/2019 at 11:02 AM, Travis Gasper said:I looked at those! I ended up getting some that are very similar, pretty much the same thing. They work great.
I have 16 bass setups, and I only bring 6 or 7 on my boat at a time. It’s just nice to have them labeled for a quick glance and knowing exactly what’s on there. I have two Abu Garcia Pro Max baitcasters for example, one with 17lb. fluoro and one with 20lb. fluoro. I don’t want to have to remember which one has the 17 and which one has the 20. I have four Abu Garcia Ike Series rods with Abu Garcia Revo SX reels on them. You get where I’m going here? Labeling just makes sense.
I'll quote this for clarity because I think maybe either I'm not clearly asking my question, or it has been answered and is going right over my head.
In the above reference of picking up a rod for a given application and not knowing whether it is spooled with 17 or 20 lb test line: Of what utility is that knowledge? If you plan to through a crainkbait, odds are you will grab the rod already set up for crankbaits. Is the rod and reel not the predominant determinant, and the choice of line follow suit?
Would you favor a rod spooled with 17 lb instead of 20 lb for the same technique (all else being equal)?
I understand (or at least think I do) why certain line types and lb test are preferred for certain applications, it seems fairly obvious. What I am not clear on is if you need to pitch into a bunch of nasty cover (for example), grab your heavy pitching rod, it should already be properly set up for that task. And if indeed it is, then of what value would it be to know the lb test or diameter of fishing line you have already decided appropriate?
Maybe there is something I am not getting. Admittedly I am far from proficient.
@LionHeart I understand what you are saying. You're saying it doesn't matter because you have the rod spooled with the line you are going to use for that specific lure and presentation. But sometimes anglers like to play with line diameter to get a few extra feet depth on crankbaits so they go from 15# to 12# line. If you do that on the water it is easier to just switch one reel with another. That is why its important to label reels/rods with line test. Just my opinion.
On 1/11/2019 at 9:44 AM, Gundog said:@LionHeart I understand what you are saying. You're saying it doesn't matter because you have the rod spooled with the line you are going to use for that specific lure and presentation. But sometimes anglers like to play with line diameter to get a few extra feet depth on crankbaits so they go from 15# to 12# line. If you do that on the water it is easier to just switch one reel with another. That is why its important to label reels/rods with line test. Just my opinion.
Ahh ha. Makes sense. Thanks man
I've been paying more attention to line diameter recently, all types, and I'm not finding a direct correlation between diameter and pound test (at least advertised pound test). I prefer to label showing the brand and year plus the pound test and type. There is a very big difference in performance between brands of FC, for example.
There’s also the issue where you might have two or more identical rod/reel combos and need to be able to tell them apart.
On 1/11/2019 at 11:12 AM, Elkins45 said:There’s also the issue where you might have two or more identical rod/reel combos and need to be able to tell them apart.
Like those weirdo golfers who use the same shaft length!
All my swimbait rods and reels have the same line, no problem.
My spinning finesse has either Maximum Ultra Green 5 lb or 7 lb Super Sniper FC and they are different color, no problem.
My deep diving crankbait reels have either Big Game 12 lb or Armillo 13 lb, different colors, no problem
My top water rods, small crankbait and jerk bait rods and reels have 11 lb Armillo, no problem.
Jig and worm baitcasting rods have either 12 lb Green Super Sniper or 14 lb clear Super Sniper, different color, no problem.
If line is close to the same diameter I use different colors to instantly recognize the line being used. I can feel the difference of .002, calibrated finger tips!
It's better to develop your memory then rely on labels.
Tom
On 1/11/2019 at 12:16 PM, WRB said:It's better to develop your memory then rely on labels.
My wife is amazed at my memory some times, but still I label as a backup because even the best memory occasionally has a 'brain-fart'.
If you need labels to remember the different line sizes you have too many different lines.
When in dought look at the spare filler spools, easy to compare the line on the reel to the spool line.
My says I forget everything she wants me to remember.
Tom
On 1/11/2019 at 12:52 PM, WRB said:If you need labels to remember the different line sizes you have too many different lines.
I've only got 6 setups and no spare spools. Still...I'm a 'belt and suspenders' kind of guy. I like having that backup.
What do you do with the filler spools? Most line spools hold more line then the reel does.
Tom
On 1/11/2019 at 12:52 PM, WRB said:If you need labels to remember the different line sizes you have too many different lines.
When in dought look at the spare filler spools, easy to compare the line on the reel to the spool line.
My says I forget everything she wants me to remember.
Tom
Labeling becomes more important for me this time of year. I have 4 identical crank combos, same rod and reel. I normally run 10 or 12lb flouro, but 2 of them i go down to 8 lb for winter fishing. I also date my labels, so i know how long the line has been on there.
To answer you on filler spools, i try and buy bulk 1000yd spools. They are on a rack at home, unless i grab a few for a overnite fishing trip off somewhere
On 1/11/2019 at 1:13 PM, WRB said:What do you do with the filler spools? Most line spools hold more line then the reel does.
Tom
I think we're talking different spools here. Most of my setups are Spinning Reels and some people have second spools for those. I don't, I just have one reel-spool for each reel. The line-spools are kept in a box unless I do empty them...except for the 4# for my UL, I buy the smaller spools that fill my reels with nothing left over.
To cut it short a I am not looking at labels for a long time just because I can remember for what exactly I am using something. But this is not how I managed the things all the time. I still have labels on everything in my storage, but just because I used a good tape https://www.mrdepot.ca/products/brother-tze-231-tape and It is still on her place. After years of experience I don't need to read what is written down there on the label, I can take a look just to be 100% sure or just for fun but I am not doing this stuff for a long time.
OMG Guys! You guys are worse than the custom longbow guys! Piece of masking tape and a sharpie. DONE! Trust me, it won't damage your fish poles!
On 12/13/2019 at 10:16 PM, N.Y. Yankee said:OMG Guys! You guys are worse than the custom longbow guys! Piece of masking tape and a sharpie. DONE! Trust me, it won't damage your fish poles!
It’s very important to a lot of guys that their rod and reel be perfectly balanced when held in horizontal position with no lure attached. Adding a piece of tape with some ink molecules on it will throw off that perfect balance.
On 11/26/2018 at 11:11 AM, Vilas15 said:The lews tournament Pro G reel (and new replacement tourney Pro LFS) have a line indicator on the spool tension knob which I always thought was kind of a cool feature. Surprised it's not available on other Lew's reels below the $200 mark.
You can buy the knob separately at tackle warehouse and put it on your other reels.
https://www.tacklewarehouse.com/Lews_Custom_Speed_Shop_Speed_Dial/descpage-LHSD.html
I understand the obsession, really do.
BUT I can look at my rod and reel setup and tell you what line is on it.
If it's a 7'3 heavy rod and 5000 reel with a frog tied on, it ain't gonna have 8lb mono. Lol
About all my equipment is bait specific with only 3 different sizes of braid and 3 different sizes of floro.....that's it, and can throw every bait I own with confidence.
But I completely understand.
I don't generally label, but I probably should. My line drawer has 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 15 in non-braid...and braid sizes from 15 to 65. Even if I'm not anal about how to use a combo based on spooled line, it would still be nice to know;
-When I take a reel off for any reason, the rod no longer helps indicate what line is on it
-I use flouro, mono and YZH -- not always apparent what's on a spool just by looking at it
-I bought same test of Invisx, Sniper and Abrasx to compare -- no way I can tell the difference without some sort of label
So...while I won't be buying special Line Labels, I will try to do a better job of marking my reels myself
When I had a half dozen reels on a half dozen rods with only YZH or braid, I didn't really think much about it--
Now, with reels in storage on rods, off rods, sent out for maintenance, etc. I would be better off with good labeling system.
The moment I can't remember what set up has which line, is the moment I know I have way too much gear.
On 12/14/2019 at 1:32 AM, Glaucus said:The moment I can't remember what set up has which line, is the moment I know I have way too much gear.
I'm the same way with only 7 rigs for this coming season - I do it as more of a spot-check...just to be sure.
Remember when life was simple and all we had was a Zebco casting rod and a 404 with some 15 pound mono and used that for EVERYTHING? AND IT WORKED??!!!
On 12/14/2019 at 2:35 AM, N.Y. Yankee said:Remember when life was simple and all we had was a Zebco casting rod and a 404 with some 15 pound mono and used that for EVERYTHING? AND IT WORKED??!!!
For me it was a Mitchell spinning reel on a Berkley Enforcer rod with 12# mono - but ya, I know what you mean.
On 1/11/2019 at 12:52 PM, WRB said:If you need labels to remember the different line sizes you have too many different lines.
When in dought look at the spare filler spools, easy to compare the line on the reel to the spool line.
My says I forget everything she wants me to remember.
Tom
You've got that right my friend. Trying new lines might be fun, but brings its own set of problems. Like remembering which reel you put the line on. What can make it worse is having too many combos....half or more of which probably could go without being missed too much. Blasphemy!