Braided line is slick, thin and strong, which is great for fishing but can cause headaches when you spool it. Spool it loosely and it digs into itself. Tie it straight to a bare spool and it can spin in place under a hard hookset. Follow these steps and your braid will lay flat, cast smooth and stay put.
What You Need
- Your reel and rod
- Braided line
- Some monofilament for backing, or electrical tape
- Braid scissors
- A towel or glove to add tension
Step 1: Add Backing So Braid Can't Slip
Braid can spin on a smooth metal spool. Most anglers start with a short layer of monofilament backing, then join the braid to it with a double uni knot. Backing also saves money: on a deep spool, you don't need to fill the whole thing with braid. If you'd rather skip backing, wrap a strip of electrical tape around the bare spool and tie the braid over it.
Step 2: Tie On With an Arbor Knot
Thread the line through the first rod guide, open the bail on a spinning reel, and tie the line (or backing) to the spool with an arbor knot. On a baitcaster, run it through the level wind first. Trim the tag close.
Step 3: Get the Direction Right (Spinning Reels)
Line twist is the enemy on spinning reels. Lay the filler spool flat on the floor and reel a few turns. If the line starts to twist, flip the filler spool over. On a baitcaster, direction matters less; let the filler spool turn on a pencil or spooling station so the line comes off straight.
Step 4: Keep Firm, Even Tension
This is the most important step with braid. Pinch the line through a damp towel or gloved fingers as you reel. Loosely packed braid lets the line on top dig into the layers below during a hard pull, which causes backlashes and lost casts. Firm tension now saves you trouble later.
Step 5: Fill to the Right Level
- Spinning reels: Stop about 1/8 inch below the spool lip. Overfilling causes wind knots and loops; underfilling shortens casts.
- Baitcasters: Fill to just below the edge of the spool so the line doesn't rub the frame.
Not sure how much to buy? Check your reel's capacity chart, which is often printed on the spool or in the manual. If you spool several reels, bulk spools can save you money.
Step 6: Make a Long Cast Under Tension
After spooling, make a long cast in an open area and reel it back in with light tension. This helps the line settle and pack evenly before your first real fishing trip.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- No backing or tape on a slick spool.
- Too little tension while spooling.
- Overfilling a spinning reel.
- Cutting with dull clippers, which frays braid.
Next Steps
Now tie on with the best braid knots in Best Knots for Braided Line, and keep it in top shape with our braid maintenance tips.
Shop Reaction Tackle braided line in 4-strand and 8-strand, 150 to 3,000 yard spools.
