When you’re using braid it’s important to spool it as tight as possible, which is easier with wet braid.
By using a wet spool and a few turns of monofilament in the beginning, you’ll be able to spool the line correctly and avoid problems when out on the water.
Some anglers also spool with the braid running through a glove or similar for the same purpose: keeping it under tension.
How long soak braids before spooling?
Before spooling braid, leave it in the water for at least two hours. Ideally, it would be best to keep it overnight. You’ll notice that the line will change its color and turn darker as it absorbs water.
Why is my fishing line not reeling in?
There may be two reasons why your fishing line is not reeling in: either the line is tangled or the cast-bail is askew. Check the reel and look for the problem. Luckily, you can solve the issue at home, just by following a few simple steps.
First, remove the housing cover to see the spool and check both ends. Look for any fishing line stuck in the bushings and in case that’s the problem, use a screwdriver to remove it. Examine the cast bail mechanism too and look for tangled line. If you find it, solve it the same way as before.
Finally, pinch the cast bail of reels, and release the two ends out of the cast bail housing. Make sure there are no signs of askew and then test the reel again.
Can you tie braid directly to the spool?
Tying braid directly to the spool is possible, but it’s more expensive and the line is thinner, so you’ll need to use more than monofilament, which is why many fishermen consider it a poor choice. Backing it with mono or fluoro will save you some cash and, as we mentioned before, braid alone is too slippery and is more likely to cause you problems.
You can use only braid if you need full sensitivity, however, most anglers prefer a backing. If you don’t want to use monofilament, you can put tape on your reel in order to have more grip.
How do I keep my braided reel from slipping?
Before spooling braid, be sure to know how to properly load it on your fishing reel. If you experience problems with a reel’s drag, you might need to add a inch-long piece of electrical tape, or back the reel with another line type.
There’s also a third way: which consists in tying a direct knot to a clean arbor. Choose the knot that works for you (for instance, the single Uni-knot, the Reverse Cinch or the San Diego Jam), take the braid and wrap it around the arbor two or three times; then tie the knot and cinch it tightly down onto the wraps. If you’re using this method, be sure that the arbor is free of grease that is used to lubricate the reel.