Spooling up reels yourself 2025

pauldconyers reply :

I'm getting tired of running up to Bass Pro every time I need to put line on a reel and want to do it myself. What do I need to do it myself? I'm envisioning a not too expensive device/machine versus sticking a pencil throw the line spool or something. Anyone have some recommendations?

Todd2 reply :

A long nail..come off the top on casting reels, off the bottom for spinning reels. Squeeze the line a little as it goes on..it's worked for more years than I care to admit.

Dens228 reply :

I stick a screwdriver in a vise, put the spool on that.

I can't imagine going somewhere every time I spool a reel, Like Todd2 its worked for way too many years.

wisconsin heat reply :

Half the time I just set the spool on the ground and place it beneath my feet so it doesn't flail around. I've used pencils before too. Pretty much anything works, once you do it the first time you'll realize how easy it is and won't go back to back to have line put on Everytime you need it.

scaleface reply :

What kind of reel ?

Russ E reply :

for a casting reels I hang the spool on a nail in my garage.

for spinning reels I use this. it allows the spool to spin with the reel and nearly eliminates line twist.

it is around $30.00 on amazon.

JediAmoeba reply :

I have a bolt with nuts and washers on it. I stick it in a vise and tighten it down with the different nuts and plastic washers so it is firm but not too tight and then reel it onto the spool. Before that I used a friend holding the spool on a screwdriver.

For spinning reels I lay the spool on the a board I stuck a bolt in and tighten it down making sure you have it so the twist isn't going against your spool and then I crimp the loose line with my fingers to add tension as I reel it onto the reel.

TBAG reply :

I tried all the above, pencil, nail, etc. and never got the results I was after......

I ended up using some scrap wood and took a trip to Lowes for the rest of the materials needed and built this. It's awesome, perfect everytime. I just clamp it to the work bench in the garage or to truck bumper. I sanded it and spray painted it black to make it look a little better.

https://www.sportfishingmag.com/fishing-line-spooler-diy/#page-11

Hower08 reply :

A little trick with mono and flouro. After spooling onto a spinning reel put the spool into a coffee mug and run it under hot water for a few minutes it will take the memory out of the line.

bwjay reply :

I haven't done a spinning reel myself yet but I would do it the same way I've done my baitcasting reels. Get a chopstick or a pencil, put the spool on, then pinch the ends with your big toes on each foot, putting very light pressure on the ground just to keep the spool from wobbling side to side. Keep pressure on the line as it comes onto the spool to get it on there tightly, but not TOO tight, just some light pressure. For baitcasting reels this works with just the reel in hand, but for spinning reels, because of how far the line spins around, I would put the reel on a rod and thread it through the guides so it goes on straight. This should still work with the spool between your feet because the line comes up to the rod and then straight down to the spool.

Catt reply :

Berkley Spooling Station $20 ????

BassWhole! reply :

I mostly spool from bulk spools, and for that the only thing I need is a bulk spool. For narrow spools a screw driver, dowel, pencil, or some other stick thing work.

georgeyew reply :

On 7/10/2019 at 11:19 PM, bwjay said:

I haven't done a spinning reel myself yet but I would do it the same way I've done my baitcasting reels. Get a chopstick or a pencil, put the spool on, then pinch the ends with your big toes on each foot, putting very light pressure on the ground just to keep the spool from wobbling side to side. Keep pressure on the line as it comes onto the spool to get it on there tightly, but not TOO tight, just some light pressure. For baitcasting reels this works with just the reel in hand, but for spinning reels, because of how far the line spins around, I would put the reel on a rod and thread it through the guides so it goes on straight. This should still work with the spool between your feet because the line comes up to the rod and then straight down to the spool.

When spooling a spinning reel, don't put it on a pencil like you would on a baitcaster. Just set it on the ground and let the line come off the side. There are lots of videos on Youtube showing the proper way to do it.

LonnieP reply :

A pencil through a small cardboard box works well for me.

PourMyOwn reply :

On 7/11/2019 at 12:02 AM, Catt said:

Berkley Spooling Station $20 ????

Mine must be close to 20 years old!

redmeansdistortion reply :

I built my own, something like this https://www.sportfishingmag.com/fishing-line-spooler-diy/ It ran me less than $10.

Catt reply :

On 7/11/2019 at 12:26 AM, PourMyOwn said:

Mine must be close to 20 years old!

Berkley still offers them ????

pauldconyers reply :

On 7/10/2019 at 10:48 PM, Russ E said:

for a casting reels I hang the spool on a nail in my garage.

for spinning reels I use this. it allows the spool to spin with the reel and nearly eliminates line twist.

it is around $30.00 on amazon.

Hmm, would this also work on a BC reel? Just turn it upside down or something?

Khoa Vu reply :

1. set spool on the ground

2. run the line through the last page of a heavy book (for tension)

3. run the line through first 2 guides from rod butt up to the reel. (Optional step)

4. start reeling line onto reel making sure the line is tight to avoid line digs.

5. Add desired tension by placing foot on book.

this is how i've been doing it without a spooling tool.

evilcatfish reply :

This thing can't be beat for $6. I've owned a couple different, more expensive, spooling devices and this is the only one I still own

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Portable-Aluminum-Fishing-Line-Reel-Spooler-Winder-Spool-Winding-System-Tackle/312673627046?hash=item48cccceba6:g:tdMAAOSwOmtdEt5B

Russ E reply :

On 7/11/2019 at 12:56 AM, pauldconyers said:

Hmm, would this also work on a BC reel? Just turn it upside down or something?

Yes. It sets up the same way. The only difference is you can lock it down for a baitcaster, so the spool is stationary.

It is great for braid, because there is a tension adjustment, that allows you to fill the spool under pressure. That way the line is not digging into itself. First time you set it up is a little awkward, but after that it works good.

WRB reply :

P-Line line spooler has a suction cup mount and spring tension works on narrow or wider spools $12

Bait casting reels the line comes off the top of the filler spool turning clockwise, spinning of the bottom turning counterclockwise.

Tom

Bass_Fishing_Socal reply :

d**n you guys got so many ways to spool the reel lol.

Very simple for me, spinning reel just use half rod, run line through first guide, set the bulk spool on table label up and start reeling, for baitcaster, first off take of you shoe and your sock, I use chopstick poke thru filler spool, hold chopstick between your big toe and index toe and start reeling, you can apply pressure with your big toe to the side of spool.

Chris at Tech reply :

A pencil and a friend

ohboyitsrobby reply :

Either a Berkley spooling station, the bathtub or the lake. I saw Timmy Horton throw a spool in the lake to refill one time and i just picked it up. I'd be lying if I said I knew exactly why.

Mikeltee reply :

Yea man... I spent $300 for a reel it should at least have come with some line on it. The $10 Zebco I got for my kid had line on it. I too am sick of putting line on my reels. We should all boycott the fishing industry so we can be seen for a change. Naked spools are so 2018! ????

waymont reply :

Here's my rig for the last 10 years.

Bankbeater reply :

On 7/11/2019 at 1:34 AM, Khoa Vu said:

1. set spool on the ground

2. run the line through the last page of a heavy book (for tension)

3. run the line through first 2 guides from rod butt up to the reel. (Optional step)

4. start reeling line onto reel making sure the line is tight to avoid line digs.

5. Add desired tension by placing foot on book.

this is how i've been doing it without a spooling tool.

The only difference is when I need more tension I add more books.

Johnbt reply :

"should at least have come with some line on it."

That'll happen when hooks come with fish on them.

scaleface reply :

For baitcasting I hold the spool on a pencil between my knees .

Spinning I lay the spool flat . No matter what , I always get twist with spinning reels . Afterwards I walk all the line out in the lawn then reel it in . The line snaking through the grass removes the twist .

WRB reply :

On 7/11/2019 at 5:27 AM, Mikeltee said:

Yea man... I spent $300 for a reel it should at least have come with some line on it. The $10 Zebco I got for my kid had line on it. I too am sick of putting line on my reels. We should all boycott the fishing industry so we can be seen for a change. Naked spools are so 2018! ????

If can afford $300 for a reel you should have a choice of what line you want on it.

Lets say for example the new reel is spooled with the cheapest mono available in 10 lb test, would you be happy....no you would be ticked off because now you need to remove it.

Tom

VolFan reply :

This topic hurts me inside - i did three reels in 10 minutes this past weekend. No way would i outsource this to BPS for pride reasons alone much less my OCD about line. How much do they charge to spool a baitcaster?

Fishin' Fool reply :

On 7/11/2019 at 12:25 AM, LonnieP said:

A pencil through a small cardboard box works well for me.

Yep, I've used the Tacklewarehouse boxes in the past.

orion77 reply :

I have this suction cup line spooler:

https://www.amazon.com/Mimilure-Fishing-Aluminum-Portable-Spinning/dp/B075FX926V/ref=sr_1_14?keywords=line+spooler&qid=1562805479&s=gateway&sr=8-14

I found the suction cup largely useless since I don't have any surface smooth enough to use it. So I drilled two small holes in the base and bolted it to a wooden surface with wood screws. I bolted it to the end of my entertainment center in my living room so I can sit on the couch and spool up. I'm sure any other wooden workbench or surface would work fine as well.

Koz reply :

A pencil gripped between my toes usually does the trick.

BassThumb reply :

Try using a plastic tote. That's also a good place to keep your line stored in a cool dry place. It'll last a decade like that without weakening. All you need is something in there to keep the spool standing on its end when you're spooling. I just use other boxes of line that were stored in the tote to keep the spool from tipping. The plastic tote will keep the spool spinning easily, even heavy 1- and 3-mile bulk spools.

Have the line coming from the top for baitcasters and from the bottom for spinning reels. Don't worry about that sticker-up vs. down, or clockwise vs counterclockwise, etc. Apply tension by slowly running it through your fingers. Apply KVD Line and Lure to a few layers on the spool as you're filling it up.

Choporoz reply :

I drop the spool on the ground and turn the reel handle, reeling the line through my fingers. Sometimes I have to go chase a spool that rolled under a car, or off the porch, but they rarely go very far.

MN Fisher reply :

On 7/11/2019 at 10:26 PM, Choporoz said:

I drop the spool on the ground and turn the reel handle, reeling the line through my fingers. Sometimes I have to go chase a spool that rolled under a car, or off the porch, but they rarely go very far.

I put the spool in a Tupperware box on the floor to do this...then I don't have to chase the spool down.

Glaucus reply :

Get 2 cardboard boxes, such as shoe boxes. Open them up. Put them side by side, touching. Take a pen. Put the pen in one of the boxes and stab through both boxes in the middle. Separate the boxes while keeping the pen stabbed through one of them. Stab through the spool with the pen. Attach the other box at the hole. Now you will have: box, spool, box, all connected with the pen. Get 2 heavy weights of some kind. Put 1 in each box so they don't move. Spool up. Cheapest of the cheap and effective.

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Spooling up reels yourself 2025

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