Mastering the Spinning Reel: Spooling, Casting, and Servicing Guide

Spinning reels are renowned for their user-friendly design and versatility, making them ideal for targeting a variety of fish species. With an easy-to-use spool for smooth casting and an adjustable drag system for effective fish fighting, spinning reels are a favorite among anglers of all skill levels, especially those new to fishing. Learning to operate a spinning reel opens up opportunities to fish in both Freshwater and Saltwater for virtually any species.

As your angling skills progress, the spinning reel’s diverse features empower you to enhance your performance and eventually transition to more specialized equipment like baitcaster reels and conventional reels.

Selecting the Right Fishing Line for Your Spinning Reel

When it comes to fishing lines for spinning reels, there are three main categories to consider: Monofilament, fluorocarbon, and braided lines.

• Monofilament (Mono): Mono is the most common and budget-friendly fishing line. It floats, provides stretch, but is slightly visible and bulky.
• Fluorocarbon (Fluoro): Fluoro is a top-performing line, albeit more expensive. It’s virtually invisible and sinks in water, but it lacks stretch.
• Braided Line (Braid): Braid is a strong line per pound due to its fiber blend. However, it’s highly visible.

For beginners using a spinning reel, we recommend starting with 6 lb Monofilament. The fishing line’s strength, often referred to as “test,” is chosen based on the target fish size. Opting for lighter Lb test allows for longer casting distances. A 6 lb monofilament strikes a balance, being heavy enough to handle common species at average sizes and light enough to cast smaller lures while mastering the art of using a spinning reel.

How to Spool Your Fishing Line

To spool your spinning reel effectively, follow these steps with detailed visual guidance. A spool containing 330 yards of line is suitable for filling a standard-sized spinning reel. Begin by threading the line through the guides and opening the bail. Secure the line to the reel’s spool by tying an arbor knot, ensuring even distribution. Close the bail and hold the line above the reel with your thumb and index finger. Ask a friend to assist by holding the opposite spool of line, ensuring it feeds in the same direction as you spool onto the reel. Maintain approximately 1/8 inch of space between the line and the spool’s rim to avoid over spooling. Once the spool is full, remove it from the reel and soak it in warm water for 30 minutes to reduce memory and prevent line twisting.

How to Perform a Cast with a Spinning Reel

Using a spinning reel makes casting exceptionally easy. Begin by holding the rod in your dominant hand, placing your index and ring finger around the reel’s arm. Secure the line to the rod by pinching it with your index finger and then open the bail. Position your other hand on the rod’s butt end. Swing the rod back over your shoulder until it is perpendicular to your body. Next, swing the rod forward in a 180-degree motion, releasing the line at approximately 130 degrees during the rotation. After the cast, close the bail using your other hand and reel forward to retrieve your lure.

How to Adjust Fishing Reel Drag

Mastering the art of managing your reel’s drag system is crucial for avoiding missed catches and successfully reeling in larger prey with lighter tackle. The drag of a fishing reel comprises friction plates within the reel, responsible for controlling tension during a fish’s fight. Properly set drag ensures gradual release of line from the spool without creating slack when a fish is putting up a fight. Insufficient give in a stiff line can cause it to snap under the fish’s pull. Correctly setting your drag enables you to maintain a taut connection to the fish while allowing it an appropriate amount of line to fight against. To adjust the drag on a spinning reel, manipulate the knob located at the top of the reel. Turn it CLOCKWISE (right) to increase tension and COUNTERCLOCKWISE (left) to decrease tension. Test the drag by closing the bail and pulling line from the front of the reel with your hand. Mimic the pull of a fish sized to your target and adjust the tension accordingly. While in the midst of a fish fight, you can fine-tune your drag by adjusting the knob when the rod is under tension, ensuring the right amount of line is being released.

When to Utilize the Anti-Reverse Feature

Similar to the drag system, the Anti-Reverse feature allows you to manage fish tension effectively. The Anti-Reverse switch, typically located on the bottom part of the reel, serves the purpose of relieving tension. When switched OFF, Anti-Reverse permits reeling in both forward and backward directions. As you reel backwards gradually, line is released. During the learning phase of using a spinning reel, it’s advisable to keep the Anti-Reverse ON, allowing the handle to only reel forward. As you gain proficiency with your spinning reel, switch the Anti-Reverse to OFF to engage in a playful manner with smaller fish species such as Bluegill and Crappie. Panfish lack the power to engage your drag effectively, so gently work them back and forth to alleviate tension, especially when spooled with micro-line (1-2 lb test).

How to Maintain a Fishing Reel

Regularly servicing your spinning reel is crucial for ensuring the longevity of your equipment. After each fishing trip, wipe down your reel with a dry towel and store your combo in a dry environment. Contrary to common belief, avoid storing your gear in damp areas like the garage or basement. Opt for an inside closet, if possible, where the environment is drier. For those fishing in saltwater, it’s imperative to rinse your surf rod and reel, along with all other gear, with freshwater after each trip. Salt can corrode spinning reel components, necessitating thorough rinsing and drying with a towel.

How to Lubricate a Fishing Reel

Ensure your reel is lubricated at the end of every fishing season. For optimal performance, follow these steps approximately every 3-4 trips. Begin by unscrewing the drag cap by rotating it counter-clockwise, then carefully remove the spool. Proceed to unscrew the knob of the reel handle and detach the handle from its socket. Apply reel lubricant generously within all the sockets, along the shafts, and around the interior edges. Use a cotton swab to evenly distribute the lubricant and remove any excess with a paper towel. Reassemble all the components and deactivate the Anti-Reverse. Reel forward and then backward around 10-20 times to ensure the lubricant is effectively spread throughout the inner workings.