How to Put a Braided Fishing Line on a Reel
Braided fishing line offers many advantages over traditional monofilament lines, including high strength, minimal stretch, resistance to abrasion and lack of "line memory." However, these characteristics also mean that using braided line can be different from fishing with monofilament.
Braided fishing line offers many advantages over traditional monofilament lines, including high strength, minimal stretch, resistance to abrasion and lack of "line memory." However, these characteristics also mean that using braided line can be different from fishing with monofilament. Even putting braided fishing line onto a reel involves extra steps to ensure that your line and tackle perform up to expectations. Taking care to spool braided line onto your reel properly can help you protect your gear and make the most of this high-tech line.
Step 1
Wrap a layer of compressible or two-sided tape around the barrel of your fishing reel. Unlike monofilament lines, braided line will not stretch and create a tight grip around barrel. A layer of tape lets the line settle in and create a firm hold.
Step 2
Spool 5 or 10 yards of monofilament line onto the reel. This layer of monofilament includes enough "give" to let the braided line settle in firmly. It also builds in some helpful stretch in case you end up playing out all of your line while trying to land a far-roaming fish.
Step 3
Attach the braided line to the monofilament backing line using two uni knots, or a uni-to-uni splice. To do this, first form a loop in the monofilament, and pass the edge of the braided line through the loop. Form a U-shape with the braided line, and then wrap the loose end around the section of braided line beyond the monofilament loop. Pull the loose end back through the U.
Step 4
Wrap the loose end of the braided line around the section beyond the monofilament loop again, and pull it through the U. Do this three more times to create a set of five loops that surround two of the sections of braided line and lie within the third.
Step 5
Moisten the knot with water or saliva, pull it tight, slide it down to tighten around the monofilament line and trim the loose end close to the knot.
Step 6
Tie a uni knot in the monofilament line by repeating Steps 3 through 5. The two types of line will now be securely linked.
Step 7
Turn the spool to wind the braided line onto your reel.
Tip
Keep a sharp pair of scissors with your tackle. Braided line is too tough to cut with nail clippers or scissors included in a multi-purpose pocketknife.
If your drag mechanism seems to malfunction when you use braided line, the line could be spinning around the barrel of the reel. If so, unspool your reel and try using more tape in Step 1.
warning
Never twist braided line around your finger or arm, especially when preparing to snap or stretch it. Because braided line is so small and strong, it can easily cause deep cuts.